The Clock -- Pam Fong, Hardcover

An artful nonfiction ode to the beauty and magic of second chances.

In early twentieth-century Paris, a new train station--the Gare d'Orsay--was a marvel to everyone who saw it. With stunning architecture and the first trains to be powered by electricity, the station welcomed the world. At the heart of the station was a brilliant clock that hung high above the crowds.

The clock was essential in keeping the station humming. It was as beautiful as it was important. Until it was not.

Paris expanded and soon outgrew the station. The crowds moved elsewhere, and the clock was abandoned. But memories are strong, and a love of beauty remains.

In this poignant account of the transformation of a Paris train station into the world-class Musée d'Orsay (Orsay Museum), Pam Fong invites readers to experience the decades-long journey of a resilient clock, and to discover a lasting truth--there is always time for second chances.

Author: Pam Fong
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Published: 10/14/2025
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781454955009
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2025

About the Author
Pam Fong is the author and illustrator of Hedgehog and the Log, Rou and the Great Race, Once Upon a Forest, and A Spark in the Dark. After decades working in the art world, Pam is now committed to the important work of creating timeless picture books. She earned a degree in Visual Arts from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master of Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University. She lives in San Diego, CA, with her family. She invites you to visit her online at www.pamfong.com.