“Time Will Tell” by Shirley Lee Baldwin

Time Will Tell

Shirley Lee Baldwin              
Feathers, Treasures & Sandy Paws, LLC (2026)
ISBN: 979-8996140435
Reviewed by Bailey Cooper for Readers Views (07/2026)

In Time Will Tell, Shirley Lee Baldwin’s third installment of the Feathers, Treasures & Sandy Paws series, Jack and his friends Austin, Evie, Logan, and Addison travel back to 1743 to prevent the theft of a treasured family heirloom. Throughout the story, Baldwin integrates historical figures such as pirate Flora Burn and the young George and Lawrence Washington with fantastical elements like time-traveling seahorses and laughing dragons. Together, young readers are introduced to piracy in colonial America while maintaining the sense of wonder expected of a middle-grade adventure. Beneath the treasure hunt, the novel also emphasizes the value of discovering and preserving family history.

Written for readers ages 9 to 12, Time Will Tell features believable characters whose relations continue to develop across the series. Returning readers will appreciate the ongoing character arcs, while the seamless transitions between dialogue and exposition keep the narrative moving smoothly. Baldwin’s descriptions of the colonial version of Jack’s hometown reinforce the theme of the interconnectedness of the past and the present. Furthermore, the recurring focus on piracy and tall ships strengthens the maritime atmosphere that unifies the series.

The opening chapters spend considerable time explaining the time-traveling mechanics before the story moves into full-on adventure. The details establish the stakes and set up for future events, with perhaps some slowing of momentum. Once the confrontation begins, the pace accelerates. The climactic battle captures the excitement of a swashbuckling pirate adventure, complete with ship jumping, cannon fire, and the cinematic energy of Pirates of the Caribbean.

In this book, Baldwin introduces numerous figures, with some of them contributing more than others to the development of the story. While George and Lawrence Washington provide enjoyable historical flavor and enrich the colonial setting, they function more as recognizable historical cameos than as characters who meaningfully influence the narrative. 

Illustrated by Ilaria Campana, Shirley Lee Baldwin’s Time Will Tell successfully combines maritime history, fantasy, and animal friendship into an entertaining time-travel adventure. While its ambitious cast may occasionally dilute the story’s emotional impact, Baldwin delivers an imaginative treasure hunt that will appeal to middle-grade readers, especially those who enjoy historical fantasy, time travel, or pirate adventures.