The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery

by Graeme Base
Published by Abrams books for Young Readers 1993
Reading Level: 3-4 grade
30 Pages
Genre: Picture Book Mystery

Summary:
We find ourselves in preparation for a party as we open this book. Horace the Elephant is preparing a birthday party of himself for his eleventh birthday. He sends out his beautiful hand made invitations and finds himself preparing a feast for all those that attend. Soon guests arrive in fancy costumes and see the wonderful things that Horace has prepared for them and they are ready to dig in, but Horace has a plan. He has many games prepared for his friends to play, so he leads them away from the beautiful spread and they get started. As the day goes on they play game after game after game enjoying the party. As they conclude their festivities outside they come in to find someone has eaten all the food! They are astonished and try to understand why this would happen. But Horace thinking on his feet runs to the kitchen and makes some sandwiches for his guests, and pulls out the birthday cake he had stashed in the kitchen. As the guests sit on the grass enjoying their picnic we see our first clue as the book ends. But the story is not yet over, because the real story lies behind the beautiful art work that spreads each page. Each page is packed with evidence of the thief. But as we go through the book we realize he was not alone. The mouse or shall we say rat, Kilroy, and his friends devoured the spread while the others played outside. Through out the book we can find clocks on each page, telling us the time, so we know exactly what time Kilroy snuck away for a snack. After he returns we can tell he is not so comfortable anymore, full and lagging behind the group, we all realize it was him.

My Reaction:
I really loved trying to dig out the clues in this book. I could sit for hours and watch all the animals and try to understand each piece of every picture. I love that there is a packet in the back that explains each of the clues throughout the book. One by one, I really wanted to leave it closed and keep searching on my own. I really did enjoy this book. The colors were beautiful and bright and drew the eye in all different directions. I couldn't help but love how each room even shines a little background on history. Going from room to room we see all kinds of historical structures, even down to the colors. I will surely read this book to my kids.

Potential Problems:
I think the one thing that really bothers me about reading this to kids is the fact that Kilroy never gets caught, be gets away with stealing. But I guess that's what makes it a mystery. Other than a possible issue with this, the book is wonderful to me.

Recommendations:
I think everyone one should read this, old and young. It's just a fun book and there is lots of opportunity for interaction with the book and whoever may be reading it with you. It's fantastic for all ages!