If you pick up The Tale of the Boy Who Could Stop Time by Lance Lee, you’ll step right into the quiet, challenging world of Peter Goforth, a ten-year-old boy trying to navigate brutal school bullying and the deep ache of his parents’ divorce. He finds a little comfort in training as a long-distance runner, but his life changes forever when an eccentric neighborhood magician named Merlin reaches out to help. Merlin gives him a special black stone with a white lightning bolt design that stops the world around him whenever he squeezes it. Even though Peter now has an ideal way to avoid his bullies and keep out of harm’s way, he soon encounters a much bigger inner struggle. Will he figure out how to sort through his complicated circumstances and face his hurdles without turning to magic to solve all his problems?

The Tale of the Boy Who Could Stop Time by Lance Lee reads like an enchanting children’s fable because it links gentle fantasy elements with the real emotional ups and downs of growing up. Lee carefully explores values like confidence and empathy through Peter’s POV, reminding kids that actual bravery is something you discover inside yourself. The artwork by Nathalie T. Retivoff is lovely and perfectly captures the cozy feel of Crouch End, making the ordinary setting come to life. The author’s writing style is very gentle, and the central issues are resolved through emotional maturity and mutual respect, which makes the ending quite touching. It is very uplifting to see Peter finding the courage to speak up and face his fears, making this imaginative book a perfect recommendation for families wanting a story about finding your own strength.

The Tale Of The Boy Who Could Stop Time is a children's fable by Lance Lee. Peter is a kind-hearted young boy of ten. Since his parents divorced, Peter often feels lonely, exacerbated by the fact that he faces bullying in school. Peter is always the last one picked for a team on the playground, and his bullies never let him forget that. But he is an exceptional writer and has a unique ability to run long distances. After he meets Merlin Smith-Jones of Crouch End, Merlin gifts Peter with a flat, polished black stone. Whenever he squeezes the stone, Peter realizes that he can stop time. However, he soon learns that he doesn't need the stone to help others or face his bullies.

Whether you're a child or an older reader, The Tale Of The Boy Who Could Stop Time is bound to tug at your heartstrings. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Author Lance Lee has created some genuinely human characters whom you can't help but care for, even in a short story like this. Lee truly makes you feel for the protagonist, Peter. He is a likable young boy who puts up a brave front, standing up for himself and others in the face of bullies. Readers are going to love him, especially the younger ones. I also enjoyed the scenes featuring conversations between Peter and Merlin. Nathalie T. Retivoff has also done an amazing job with the artwork. Overall, this is a fantastic children's tale, one that I recommend very highly.