The Eleventh Hour

The Eleventh Hour is a brilliant birthday-themed mystery from Graeme Base, the internationally celebrated creator of Animalia. This New York Times bestseller blends poetry, puzzle, and party into one gloriously illustrated picture book. When Horace the elephant turns 11, he throws a magnificent costume party and invites a cast of exotically dressed animal friends-from a pig in naval attire to tutu-wearing giraffes and a punk zebra. But when the feast mysteriously disappears, readers are invited to join in a delicious whodunit. Rhyming text and detailed illustrations are packed with clues, riddles, and hidden messages, challenging children to think critically as they unravel the mystery. Base's signature visual style turns every page into a visual treasure hunt, rewarding attentive readers with layers of meaning and discovery. A secret solution is cleverly tucked away for those who need help cracking the case, but part of the book's magic is encouraging close observation and deduction. With its blend of humour, sophistication, and interactivity, The Eleventh Hour continues to captivate readers of all ages and makes for a rich, engaging addition to home or classroom reading. Whether solving the mystery or simply admiring the art, children are guaranteed a memorable literary experience.

Educational Benefits:

• Develops critical thinking and deductive reasoning through a narrative mystery
• Enhances vocabulary and language skills through rhythmic and descriptive verse
• Encourages attention to detail and visual literacy with complex illustrations
• Fosters independent learning and perseverance through problem-solving tasks

Classroom Ideas:

• Host a classroom mystery party where students dress up and solve clues
• Use the book to teach rhyme, rhythm, and poetic structure
• Challenge students to create their own mystery story using rhyme and illustrations
• Lead group discussions to predict and debate the identity of the birthday feast thief

Safety & Information:

• Suitable for ages: 6+
• Book dimensions: Approximately 31 x 24.5 cm
• Format: Hardcover
• Safety information: Contains no small parts; suitable for classroom and home use