Fiction: Floors

Groundbreaking author Patrick Carman takes a break from his mixed-media experiments with this entertaining romp through the secrets of the Whippet Hotel.

Ten year old Leo is the son of the Whippet's janitor, and he knows ever crack and cranny in the hotel: or so he thinks. As his father's right hand man, Leo loves being sent on urgent errands to keep the hotel running smoothly. There's just one problem: Merganzer Whippet, the eccentric creator of the hotel, has gone missing. In fact, he's been gone for exactly one hundred days when something amazing happens.

While returning from a high priority duck mission (don't ask!) Leo finds a small purple box tucked away where only he will find it. The box is from Mr. Whippet, and it contains cryptic instructions: apparently, there are four boxes for Leo to find, two days to do it in, and only one other person may be recruited as a helper. What could this possibly mean? What's in the boxes, where will the clues lead, and why, exactly, should Leo bring a duck!?!

Kids will enjoy the fast-paced ride as Leo and his friend unravel the mystery of the boxes, finding hidden floors, secret elevators and brain-boggling puzzles as they go. There's a good reason for the breakneck pace: the greatest mystery of all - Mr. Whippet's disappearance - is waiting for the boys at the end of the clues!

Boys in particular will identify with the goodnatured Leo. The slapstick humour and the hotel's amazing contraptions seal the deal: this is a fun, fast read for middle grade kids!

Fiction
Grades 5-7

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