Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
27(27%)
4 stars
37(37%)
3 stars
36(36%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Wonderful rhyming, rhythm, and story!

The rhymes in this book are so engaging that they make the story flow like a beautiful melody. The rhythm adds an extra layer of excitement, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish.

And the story itself is filled with merriment and mystery. It takes the reader on a thrilling adventure, full of surprises and unexpected twists.

The superb artwork in this book is another highlight. The illustrations are vivid and colorful, bringing the story to life in a truly magical way.

How did I miss this one for my children? It's a question that keeps popping up in my mind. This book is a gem that every child should have the opportunity to experience.

It will surely spark the brain cells of any youngster,激发他们的想象力 and creativity. It's a book that they will love to read again and again.
July 15,2025
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This is truly one amazing book!

The mystery it presents is simple enough that it can be pointed out to a 4-year-old. It doesn't require any code cracking skills; rather, it's all about observation and deduction.

However, there is an astonishing amount of knowledge, research, and art that the author has put into this book. For a brainiac, it will provide hours or even days of entertainment.

I must admit that I feel quite nerdy to find myself immensely and thoroughly enjoying this book. It's not often that a book can appeal to both the simplicity-loving child and the knowledge-hungry adult. This book truly has something for everyone, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and intellectually stimulating read.
July 15,2025
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The mystery presented in this book poses a truly great challenge.

It engages the reader's mind and keeps them on the edge of their seat throughout.

The illustrations within the book are not only very colorful but also extremely whimsical.

They add a unique charm and bring the story to life in a vivid way.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying the poetic nature of the text.

The words seemed to flow like a beautiful melody, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Although I was unable to solve the mystery completely, I did put in the effort to solve the cyphers.

This task was both enjoyable and challenging, as it required me to use my brainpower and think outside the box.

The puzzle aspect of the book added an extra layer of excitement and made me eager to keep turning the pages.

Overall, this book is a wonderful combination of mystery, illustration, and poetry that offers a truly engaging and enjoyable reading experience.
July 15,2025
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I have an absolute passion for this children's book. It holds a special charm that I have come to appreciate even more as an adult. The numerous puzzles, hidden messages, and secret codes within its pages add an extra layer of excitement and intrigue.

As I delve deeper into the story, I find myself constantly engaged in trying to solve these mysteries. It's like embarking on a thrilling adventure with each turn of the page.

Moreover, the artwork in this book is truly phenomenal. Just like all of Graeme Base's other works, it is a visual masterpiece. The detailed illustrations bring the story to life and capture the imagination of the reader.

Whether you are a child or an adult, this book is sure to captivate you with its engaging storyline, challenging puzzles, and beautiful artwork. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure and a touch of mystery.
July 15,2025
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A Family Favorite for Many Years

For many years, there has been something that has remained a family favorite. It could be a particular dish that is always prepared with love and care during family gatherings. Maybe it's a game that brings everyone together, filled with laughter and friendly competition. Or perhaps it's a tradition that has been passed down through the generations, creating a sense of continuity and connection within the family. This family favorite holds a special place in the hearts of everyone. It is a source of comfort, joy, and shared memories. Whether it's the smell of a delicious meal, the excitement of a game, or the warmth of a family tradition, it has the power to bring the family closer and create lasting bonds. It is a treasure that is cherished and will continue to be a part of the family's life for many more years to come.
July 15,2025
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Blown Away! FANTASTIC!

The whole family got in on this mystery. It truly is a captivating mystery. I initially thought it was just a story, and it is, but there's also a mystery within. The answer is sealed at the back of the book, and we haven't broken the seal yet to discover the culprit. I simply didn't have the time to thoroughly go through the book to figure out who did it. There are clues, allegedly hidden on each page, so it requires time and patience. The kids are going to search the pages today and see if they can solve the mystery. Even their parents are getting involved.

The art in this book is beautiful and magnificent. Graeme uses a border similar to what Jan Brett does, and there are clues within it. I've read that there are red herrings all over the place. I think the 7-year-old might be able to crack the case. The artwork is a Baroque feast for the eyes, with eleven animals invited to a birthday party. The birthday boy prepared a huge feast that they couldn't eat until the 11th hour. Well, they played all kinds of games, and by the time dinner arrived, someone had eaten all the food. But who did it? We don't know.

Anyone who wants to spoil me and give me the answer, I welcome it. I'm in the midst of finals and don't have the time to figure it out. However, I won't tell the kids. They can figure it out on their own.

How come I've never heard of Graeme Base before? The artist is truly amazing. I'm eager to read MORE of his works. This has become one of my new favorites.
July 15,2025
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In this captivating "curious mystery" by Graeme Base, the renowned author of Animalia,

Horace Elephant, on the occasion of his eleventh birthday, extends invitations to 11 of his friends. After an extensive and elaborate process of preparation, filled with engaging games and exciting sport, the magnificent feast精心 prepared by Horace mysteriously vanishes! The question lingers: which of the guests could be responsible for this heinous crime? The ingeniously embedded clues and the breathtaking illustrations work in harmony to bring this clever rhyming tale to life, making it a modern masterpiece.

No elementary school classroom or personal library can be considered complete without The Eleventh Hour. This intricately constructed mystery is enhanced by magnificent illustrations, with additional clues hidden within the borders. Thankfully, the detailed author's notes at the back of the book assist young sleuths (and adults alike) in locating the brilliantly conceived clues. The whimsical illustrations are so impeccably detailed that even young primary students might be able to infer the storyline of the mystery. However, the sophisticated vocabulary and the invitation to engage in "observation and deduction" present a challenge for older students and adults as well. The various explanations of the clues and the solution to the mystery are neatly contained in a sealed section at the end of the book, aptly named "The Inside Story," effectively foiling the urge to cheat through this clever "packaging." Additionally, there is a cryptic section entitled "Notes for Detectives" that challenges the reader to crack a code. This book would无疑 be an outstanding addition to a mystery genre unit in either the elementary grades or middle school. It stands in the same relation to the I Spy books as Caviar does to Cheetoes, representing a level of sophistication and quality that sets it apart.
July 15,2025
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Oh my God!

Today, seeing this book really gave me a huge shock of recognition.

When I was a kid, I would pore over this book.

I truly adored it.

I managed to find every single hidden little thing in it and finally solved it.

I really need to find my own copy.

Like today!

I'm currently having vivid flashbacks of those intricate and tiny mouse illustrations.

It's as if they are right in front of my eyes again.

The details were so精致 and charming that they left a deep impression on me.

I can still remember the excitement I felt when I discovered those hidden elements.

It was like uncovering a precious treasure.

I can't wait to get my hands on that book and relive those wonderful memories.

July 15,2025
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This is an incredibly fun book that is filled with layers of mystery!

As you delve into its pages, it becomes extremely challenging to determine which clues should be disregarded and which ones deserve your full attention.

Nonetheless, it offers a charming and poetic reading experience for a young audience. The vivid language and engaging story capture their imagination and transport them to a world of wonder.

For an older audience, on the other hand, it presents an entertaining puzzle to solve. The complex web of clues and the need to think critically make it a stimulating and enjoyable read.

Whether you're young or old, this book has something special to offer, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
July 15,2025
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This is a captivating mystery book specifically designed for children.

It is adorned with gorgeously and sumptuously illustrated pages that are truly a visual treat. The text, presented in verse form, is equally delightful, adding a touch of charm and rhythm to the story.

The illustrations are intricately detailed, which, while beautiful, is what led to my personal frustration. The clues and codes necessary to solve the mystery are cleverly implanted within the illustrations, making them often extremely hard to spot or decode. In fact, I found myself struggling so much that I even resorted to cheating and looking at the key in the back of the book, yet I still couldn't find some of the hidden items.

Maybe I'm just not cut out for puzzles, or perhaps a six-year-old with a fresh perspective could breeze through this with no trouble at all. But I have to admit, I think this book could potentially drive even the great Sherlock Holmes into retirement.

Finally, for any potential sleuths out there, I will offer two hints that are crucial to the solution of this mystery. Firstly, invest in a good magnifying glass to help you spot those tiny details. And secondly, keep a bottle of your favorite relaxing beverage close at all times, because you're going to need it to calm your nerves as you embark on this challenging mystery-solving adventure.

July 15,2025
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I’m truly glad that my parents had the foresight to save this particular item for me.

It has brought me great joy to be able to read it to my 4-year-old. The experience has been nothing short of wonderful.

As he grows older in the next few years, I’m certain we’ll enjoy this many more times.

This is because he’ll start to realize that all of the amazing illustrations within it include intriguing puzzles that are just waiting to be discovered.

I cannot recommend Graeme Base books highly enough.

Their incredible art is not only visually stunning but also adds an extra layer of depth and engagement to the stories.

Moreover, the fun play with words makes the reading experience even more enjoyable and educational for children.

Graeme Base has truly created a world of magic and wonder through his books, and I’m so grateful to have them in our lives.

July 15,2025
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One of my very favorite books as an older child was a truly remarkable one.

My sisters and I would spend countless hours poring over this book for weeks on end.

It was like a magical portal that transported us to different worlds and introduced us to a plethora of fascinating characters and stories.

The pages seemed to come alive as we delved deeper into its contents, and we would often discuss and share our thoughts and feelings about what we had read.

This book had a special charm that kept us hooked from start to finish, and it holds a dear place in my heart even to this day.

It was not just a book, but a source of joy, inspiration, and countless memories that I will always cherish.

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