The Clock Spa 9781632064356.jpg
The Clock Spa 9781632064356.jpg

The Clock Spa

$19.95

Yonder: Restless Books for Young Readers | Ages 5–8

By Jung-min Kwon

Translated from the Korean by Jamie Chang


When a busy mom turns into a clock, her daughter discovers that even grown-ups need rest. A whimsical story about time, love, and self-care.

“You have ten minutes to get ready! Three minutes until lights out! One more minute to read!” Like children everywhere, one young girl is all too familiar with reminders about time—especially from her mother. When she wishes her mom would stop talking about time altogether, it comes true . . . almost. Her mom turns into a big blue clock.

With her clock-mother ticking beside her, the girl sets off on her scooter to find help. The clock hospital is closed for vacation, but the clock spa—a magical place where worn-out clocks can rest, relax, and be repaired—is open. Thanks to a wise woman and a little respite, time begins to make sense again.

Yonder: Restless Books for Young Readers | Ages 5–8

By Jung-min Kwon

Translated from the Korean by Jamie Chang


When a busy mom turns into a clock, her daughter discovers that even grown-ups need rest. A whimsical story about time, love, and self-care.

“You have ten minutes to get ready! Three minutes until lights out! One more minute to read!” Like children everywhere, one young girl is all too familiar with reminders about time—especially from her mother. When she wishes her mom would stop talking about time altogether, it comes true . . . almost. Her mom turns into a big blue clock.

With her clock-mother ticking beside her, the girl sets off on her scooter to find help. The clock hospital is closed for vacation, but the clock spa—a magical place where worn-out clocks can rest, relax, and be repaired—is open. Thanks to a wise woman and a little respite, time begins to make sense again.

About the author

Jung-min Kwon is the author and illustrator of seven picture books to date. Her works have received numerous honors, including the 2021 62nd Korea Publishing Culture Award (Children & Youth) and the Grand Prize at the 2023 1st Korea Picture Book Award, and were also selected as one of the Most Delightful Books of 2025 in Korea. She also frequently contributes to educational content produced by Educational Broadcasting System (EBS).

About the translator

Jamie Chang is a literary translator. Her translation of Cho Nam-joo’s Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 was longlisted for the 2020 National Book Award for Translated Literature. She is the recipient of the Daesan Foundation Translation Grant and a three-time recipient of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea grant. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

Book Details

Hardcover ISBN: 9781632064356 • $19.95
Publication date: October 6, 2026
230 mm × 210 mm • 56 pages
eBook ISBN: 9781632064349

Download the Restless Reading Guide here.

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Praise

“A charming and timely reminder to step away and unwind.”

— Kirkus Reviews

"Dainty detailing lends a tactile quality to the pale illustrations, which at times echo the work of Salvador Dalí. This strange tale’s portrait of parent-child dynamics—and the mental load moms carry—resonates."

— Publishers Weekly

“Light, playful fantasy dances across the worry surrounding a mother’s well-being to create a heartwarming and imaginative read.”

— Bookworm for Kids

"A wonderful picture book, with illustrations I would have loved to get lost in as a little girl and a message that likely would have resonated deeply with my mom back then. We all just need a little time off once in a while!"

— Jewell Petrowitz, Books & Company