A Time for Ebby

by Poile Sengupta, Shaunak Samvatsar (Illustrator)

The Ebons made the best grandfather clocks in the town of Nimish . . . They were such excellent makers of grandfather clocks that they became richer and richer as the years went by . . . Yet, the eighth Father Ebon, the present head of the family, was unhappy.

Ebby, the daughter of the eighth Father Ebon, is adept at a lot of things. But she wishes she could put an end to her father’s sadness, and wonders how she could help. Until one day, she stumbles upon a treasure! Could it lift Father Ebon out of his gloom? Poile Sengupta narrates this fascinating story with emotion, enthusiasm, and a dash of drama.

37 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2021

About the author

POILE SENGUPTA



I am a novelist, poet, playwright and short fiction writer, for both children and adults.

I began writing for children when I was in college. In 1968, I began “A Letter to You”, a humour column for the children’s magazine, Children’s World, which ran for nearly three decades. I have regularly written for the children's magazine Target and columns for children in Deccan Herald, Bangalore, The Times of India, Bangalore, and Midday, Mumbai. My recent fiction for children includes "Role Call" and "Role Call Again", 2003, by Rupa and Co., "Vikram and Vetal", 2005, and "Vikramaditya’s Throne", 2007, from Puffin. My stories have also been included in several anthologies, among them the iconic "The Puffin Treasury of Modern Indian Stories". "Role Call" has been translated and published in Bhasa Indonesia and "Vikram and Vetal" in French.

I also have a book of six plays published by Routledge – "Women Centre Stage", 2010. My first play Mangalam won a special award at The Hindu-Madras Players playscripts competition in 1993. Keats was a Tuber was shortlisted and received a special mention at the 1996 British Council International New Playwriting Competition. Samara’s Song was one of three plays in the final shortlist of The Hindu Metroplus Playscripts Competition, 2008. In 1999-2000, I received a Senior Fellowship for Literature of the Department of Culture, Government of India, to write plays for children. A set of seven one Act plays for children – "Good Heavens!" – was published by Puffin in 2006.

My short story Ammulu was shortlisted for the 2012 Commonwealth short story prize. It has now been published in "The Best Asian Short Stories" by Kitaab.

My first novel for adults Inga was published in October 2014 and has received critical acclaim. The DNA Mumbai called it “Booker worthy”!

My picture book "Four" was published by Tulika Publishers in 2018.

I have been on the Governing Body of the National School of Drama, India, and several times on the jury of the Trinity College international playwriting competition for children. I have acted in several plays and in the award winning films "The Outhouse" and "Shaitan".

Reviews

[Namita Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Time for Ebby is a charming and heartwarming tale of a young girl who wants to make her father happy. Ebby belongs to the Ebon family, famous for making the best grandfather clocks in Nimish. But her father, the eighth Father Ebon, is always sad and distant, and Ebby does not know why. One day, she discovers a hidden treasure that could change everything. But will it be enough to bring joy to her father and her family?

Poile Sengupta writes with a captivating style that draws the reader into the world of Ebby and the Ebons. The story contains mystery, adventure, warmth, and wisdom. The illustrations by Shaunak Samvatsar are expressive, complementing the story perfectly. The book is suitable for children of all ages who will enjoy Ebby's journey and learn about the value of family and happiness.

A Time for Ebby is a delightful and uplifting book that deserves four stars. This book will make you smile and feel good. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good story with a happy ending.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wonder which age group will read this book. Too simple for pre teens, but too subtle for anyone younger. But I do like the poem

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about clocks and more. Well written with illustrations.