Jason Cockcroft

This is a lovely book in several aspects. While the grandfather is drawn or painted with a somewhat angular style, he is still pictured as a gentle, endearing character. He and the child go on a walk at night and this walk is special. They walk remembering all the things that the grandmother loved about her own walks - especially at night.

As they walk, they talk and wonder if each spot is grandmother's favorite. Only at the end do they find that very special spot.

The book doesn't really talk show more of death, but it is sensed in the sweet and sober memories of grandmother.

The illustrations of each two-page spread beautifully capture the richness of the country-side at night with lots of foliage, critters, and beautiful expanses of sky.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. show less

This first novel of Jason Cockcroft was a tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice or of later the Time Travelers Wife. A combination of fantasy and time travel woven into a tale of choices.
We find Nathan in shock from his mother’s death and having to live with his father, Henry, as the parents had been divorced for years. Cornella’s death had left Henry very discombobulated. He then disappears through the bathroom wall leaving a hole of his shape.
Nathan meets a Beefeater named Bartleby show more and his dog that only likes bubble gum. Bartley is a little strange and this begins the travel to prevent Henry from finding his wife and changing the past. Bartleby needs to put everything back to rights ergo counterclockwise.
This brings Nathan to realize that there is a reason for everything and he has to make the right choice. show less

Nathan's mother has been run over by a bus and he now lives with his father Henry - a not altogether satisfactory state of affair. Then, suddenly one day Henry disappears leaving a hole in the bathroom wall and Nathan is plunged into an adventure that involves a Beefeater and questions about the nature of time.
In the beginning this book is quite baffling but if you persist, you will be drawn into Nathan's exciting adventure.

Reviewed by Joan Stradling for TeensReadToo.com

After Nathan's mother is hit by a bus, his life changes dramatically.

As he struggles to come to terms with her loss and learns to live with his father, his life takes a sudden turn . . . one he never thought possible.

His father mysteriously vanishes through a hole in the bathroom wall.

Trying desperately to keep his life from falling apart, Nathan tries to find his father but bizarre things continue to happen. He ends up in the past, trying to show more keep his father from ruining their only chance at happiness.

COUNTER CLOCKWISE is a fun, quickly paced novel in which the main character grows as he discovers how the past, present, and future are linked.

Cockcroft creates a relatable character in Nathan, and I enjoyed going COUNTER CLOCKWISE. show less