The Mystery of Eatum Hall (BCCB Blue Ribbon Picture Book Awards (Awards))

A gluttonous pig and goose inadvertently foil their sinister host in an original little comedy full of visual jokes, rendered in an eye-catching film noir style.

Glenda and Horace Pork-Fowler are a goose and a hog of large proportions, with appetites to match. So naturally, when they receive an invitation for a weekend of free gourmet food at Eatum Hall, Dr. Hunter's new inn, they don't hesitate to pack their bags. It's a bit curious that there's no one to greet them at the gloomy inn, and their absent owner does have an odd fondness for artwork depicting wolves. Still, the unfailingly cheerful couple are more than content to eat their way from feast to feast, disappointed only to learn that they'll miss the pie-eating festival on the day they leave. Or will they?

With graphic artwork that pops off the page, this tongue-in-cheek tale will delight readers of all ages, from fans of Wallace and Gromit and Berkeley Breathed to children who will love discovering the illustrator's many sight gags — and being in on the joke.

John Kelly works as an illustrator and designer of children's books and is currently developing a graphic novel. Passionate about the use of digital technology to create his illustrations, he has developed a new style for THE MYSTERY OF EATUM HALL, which involves painting freehand on his computer screen.

Cathy Tincknell grew up in England and has held a number of design jobs in the corporate world and in children's book publishing. More recently, she has worked on developing ideas and stories for interactive novelty titles as a freelancer. This is the first book she's co-written with her husband, John Kelly. They live in South London.