To answer these questions, readers can draw inferences/conclusions from the story text, music and art. There are three clusters of questions with sub-questions to aid in the thinking process. Questions can have more than one answer that can be supported. Not all questions need to be asked. Choose questions or formulate new questions that will keep the discussion going and are appropriate for the age group and background of the readers.

Why do the clocks misbehave?

1. What do the clocks do all day long? What effect could that have on the clocks?
2. Why do you think the clocks misbehave at nighttime?
3. How do the clocks misbehave? After initial discussion, perhaps refer to the two definitions of “misbehave” in the A Word at the Right Time section of this Reader’s Guide. Ask them to point to pictures that show the harmless, fun-type of misbehaving and the mean-spirited or disobedient kind of misbehaving.
4. What kinds of fun and creative things do the clocks do?
5. What kinds of dangerous or hurtful things do the clocks do?
6. Why do Red and the mice misbehave?
7. How do Red and the mice influence the clocks?
8. Why do the clocks sing and dance?
9. Why do the clocks call each other names?
10. Why do the clocks leave the clock shop?
11. What does it mean to “go cuckoo,” and how is that related to misbehaving?
12. Do you think the clocks know when they are misbehaving?
13. How do Grandfather and Big Ben treat the clocks?
14. How does the mouse use the minute hand in different ways? In the last illustration the mouse gives the minute hand back to Phineas. What does that gesture show?
15. How are the clocks like children?

Why do you think Phineas happens to own clocks that come to life?

1. What can we tell about Phineas from his shop, the books he reads, the types of clocks he has, his cat, etc.?
2. What can we tell about Phineas from the way he looks and dresses?
3. What can we tell about Phineas from the things he says and does?
4. Why do you think Phineas talks to clocks?
5. What kind of relationship does Phineas have with the clocks?
6. Do you think Phineas knows what the clocks did overnight?
7. Does Phineas really believe the clocks are alive or could the whole story be in his imagination? Defend your answer.

What is the value of imagination?

1. What message do you think the story is sending regarding the power of imagination?
2. What kinds of things stir the imagination of the characters in the story? and in your life?
3. Do you think we need to do everything we imagine? Why or why not?