The 13 Clocks

Thurber's writing feels like a delightful song or rhyme. I'm curious what influenced his choice to craft the story with such lyrical prose.

Some parts had me giggling while others felt a bit spooky. Was that contrast intentional to keep children engaged and on their toes?

His wickedness makes him such a memorable villain, but I wonder what Thurber wanted kids to learn from this character's actions.