Plot & Structure
What event causes most shops in Maple Hollow to close early?
A snowstorm
What does the phrase “the wind howled like a distant train” show?
The wind was loud and strong
What can you infer about the type of person Mr. Renner is?
He works very hard
Which theme is MOST supported by the story?
A. Hard work brings rewards
B. Friendship is more important than honesty
C. Nature is unpredictable
D. Technology always breaks
Hard work brings rewards
Why does Mr. Renner stay in his shop even as the storm worsens?
He wants to finish repairing Eliza’s watch
What does “mechanism” mean in the sentence “He had to rebuild the entire inner mechanism”?
The tiny parts that make it work
Why is the pocket watch important to Eliza?
It belonged to her grandfather
How does the author show that Mr. Renner is respected in the town?
A. People joke about his shop
B. People say he can fix anything
C. He owns many clocks
D. He works next to a bakery
People say he can fix anything
What is the most exciting part of the story — the big moment when the problem is solved?
The watch finally ticking again
What does the author mean by “People said he could hear time the way musicians hear music”?
He could fix clocks by listening carefully
Why does the author include the detail about Mr. Renner’s trembling hands?
To show repairing the watch is difficult
Why does the author describe the clocks in the shop window?
A. To show the shop is messy
B. To create a magical, detailed setting
C. To explain how clocks work
D. To show Mr. Renner is wealthy
To create a magical, detailed setting
Which detail in the story shows the problem is getting bigger and the excitement is building?
A. “He worked late into the night…”
B. “Eliza gasped with joy.”
C. “Maple Hollow was the kind of town…”
D. “Some treasures carry more than time.”
“He worked late into the night…”
Which word best describes the mood created by the storm?
nervous/anxious/worried
What deeper Mr. Renner’s mean when he says, “Some treasures carry more than time?"
Things can remind us of special moments.
Which sentence best shows someone not giving up?
A. “The wind rattled windows…”
B. “He worked late into the night…”
C. “Eliza brushed snow from her coat…”
D. “The shop was squeezed between a bakery and a bookstore.”
“He worked late into the night…”