Floors (Floors, #1)

Dec 30, 2011 MaryBookSwarm rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, amazon-vine, scholastic

When I was younger, I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory about a zillion times. There was just something so magical about it. FLOORS has the same magic touch, incorporating lots of wacky inventions and wild rooms with less sugar (well, except for the Cake Room, a place I would gladly stay until they had to roll me out of there).

There's a kooky cast of characters as well including the rich, eccentric owner (who we really only meet through Leo's eyes); the crabby witch of a manager; the paddle...more

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Apr 11, 2013 ACS Book-finder rated it 5 of 5 stars

Book Synopsis: Charlie had his chocolate factory. Stanley Yelnats had his holes. Leo has the wacky, amazing Whippet Hotel.

The Whippet Hotel is a strange place full of strange and mysterious people. Each floor has its own quirks and secrets. Leo should know most of them – he is the maintenance man’s son, after all. But a whole lot more mystery gets thrown his way when a series of cryptic boxes are left for him . . . boxes that lead him to hidden floors, strange puzzles, and unexpected alliances....more Book Synopsis: Charlie had his chocolate factory. Stanley Yelnats had his holes. Leo has the wacky, amazing Whippet Hotel.

The Whippet Hotel is a strange place full of strange and mysterious people. Each floor has its own quirks and secrets. Leo should know most of them – he is the maintenance man’s son, after all. But a whole lot more mystery gets thrown his way when a series of cryptic boxes are left for him . . . boxes that lead him to hidden floors, strange puzzles, and unexpected alliances. Leo had better be quick on his feet, because the fate of the building he loves is at stake . . . and so is Leo’s own future!

Review: Absolutely a great book!! "Floors" is the first book in a new series by Mr. Carman. I actually read the second book in Mr. Carman's series, "3 Below" first and was hooked from the get go. So when given the opportunity to read Floors (book one), I jumped at it eagerly. Even though I was familiar with the characters, I found the story exciting, mysterious, and an absolutely fun read. The target age is upper elementary to middle school, but this book would be enjoyable for all ages.

The Whippet Hotel's creator, Merganzer Whippet, has been gone for over 100 days and Leo Fillmore is wondering if his friend will ever return. Leo is the janitor's son and thinks that he knows just about everything there is to know about the Whippet Hotel. But more mystery and adventure are in store for Leo when he receives four boxes that lead him to secret floors within the Hotel. Leo forms a friendship with Remi, the hotel maid's son, and they both are soon on their way to great fun!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in one afternoon. I won't hesitate to read any future books in this series! (rev.P.Howard)

About the author: Patrick Carman is the award-winning author of many books for young adults and children. He grew up in Salem, Oregon, and graduated from Willamette University. His birthday is February 27th, 1966. He spent a decade living in Portland, where he worked in advertising, game design, and technology.

Patrick Carman has been a life long writer and storyteller. He writes books for young adults and children for Scholastic and Little Brown Books For Young Readers. His bestselling series work includes The Land of Elyon, Atherton, Elliot’s Park, 39 Clues, and Skeleton Creek. Mr. Carman’s books have been translated into approximately two dozen languages.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of "Floors" was given to us in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. (less)

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Mar 28, 2013 Marcus Reeves rated it 5 of 5 stars

IT WAS soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...more IT WAS sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo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good! the first book I've ever read that I've been able to finish in twenty-four hours!!(less)

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Oct 20, 2012 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: j, light, mystery, not-graphic, guys-read

A fun celebration of the quirky and strange, propelled by a mystery that is both a puzzle and a conspiracy. There's a bit of Willy Wonka here, with less strangeness and more adventure.

At the center of it all is eccentric millionaire Merganzer Whippet, the son of a New York business tycoon who has spent his life working to fulfill his father's prophetic final words spoken a few seconds before dying: "You will prosper in the field of wacky inventions" were the only words of advice Merganzer had be...more

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May 12, 2012 Lindsay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Leo Fillmore and his father live and work at the incredible Whippet Hotel. While his father fixes all of the remarkable gadgets, gizmos and plumbing in the hotel, Leo spends his time looking after the ducks (who live on the roof) and avoiding the terrible manager of the hotel who seems bent on getting rid of Leo and his father. But things are not going well in the hotel, for its founder and builder, Merganzer D. Whippet, has gone missing, and the hotel is starting to fall apart. And then a myste...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Heidi rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was intrigued by a middle grade book with ducks as significant characters. I also usually like the little mystery-type books. And the plot was mostly interesting. I had a hard time seeing a whole lot of significance to all of the things the main character had to do, but they were somewhat entertaining. And, really, I don't think his demonstrations of bravery really merited the end result for someone of his age. Let's be at least a little realistic. But maybe I was just bugged because the book...more

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Feb 28, 2012 M. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Leo and his dad live in the basement of the Whippet Hotel where the dad is the maintenance man (and Leo has his share of the work as well). The Whippet Hotel was designed by Merganzer Whippet (inventor of wacky stuff and currently missing for the past 100+ days) and all of a sudden everything in the hotel seems to be falling apart. Leo and his dad get to work.

The Whippet Hotel itself is wacky and has a duck pond on the roof and a special elevator for the ducks to go up and down in so they can h...more

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Jan 26, 2012 Bookphile rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, children-s-lit, arc

In my quest to make a reader out of my eight-year-old daughter, I've taken to reading a lot of children's books with her. My experience have, in general, been kind of hit or miss. Sometimes I really like something, but she doesn't. Others, she likes them and I don't. It's always a good feeling when we find a book that bridges that gap, one that both parent and child can enjoy. Floors is one such book. There will be a few spoilers in this review.

There is a lot about Floors to recommend it, but I...more In my quest to make a reader out of my eight-year-old daughter, I've taken to reading a lot of children's books with her. My experience have, in general, been kind of hit or miss. Sometimes I really like something, but she doesn't. Others, she likes them and I don't. It's always a good feeling when we find a book that bridges that gap, one that both parent and child can enjoy. Floors is one such book. There will be a few spoilers in this review.

There is a lot about Floors to recommend it, but I was drawn in by the sort of wacky description of the book. That description really only scratches the surface. As we read about the many themed rooms in the hotel, I really marveled at the depth of the author's imagination. For me, the most apt description is to the Gene Wilder Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The Whippet Hotel offers a veritable feast for the imagination: from a room centered around robots to the Cake Room, you just can't help but be drawn into the author's vivid descriptions. By the end of the book, you will wish that the Whippet Hotel was real and that you could visit it. It would put to shame anything Las Vegas can throw at you. I'm extremely, extremely impressed by just how fantastical and wonderfully imagined the hotel is. It's a character in its own right.

But the hotel isn't the only thing this book has going for it. I also really enjoyed the characters of Leo and Remi, and the gradual evolution of their friendship. Leo has a really lovely back story, and I liked the book's messages about love and loss and learning to move on. Leo handles all of these themes in a way that struck me as very lifelike and my daughter didn't have any trouble relating to him. Leo is everything a good character should be: believable, admirable, yet still flawed. I really like books where children act like children and the author takes their concerns seriously.

Also interesting to me was the way Merganzer's similar childhood experiences were interwoven with those of Leo. There are some very poignant and lovely passages in which Merganzer recounts childhood experiences with his mother. I also have a son, so the theme of two boys growing up without their mothers definitely tugged at my heartstrings.

My only real disappointment in the novel was with the ending, which just didn't really work for me. There was a lot of buildup but the ending was unsatisfying. It mirrors the Will Wonka film in a lot of ways, so I found some aspects of it very predictable though, of course, the triumph of the virtuous was satisfying. Still, I wish it had felt a little less predictable and that Merganzer wouldn't have emerged as a sort of Deus Ex Machina. (less)

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Nov 05, 2011 Grady rated it 5 of 5 stars

An Ascending Star in the Young Readers Books Department!

Patrick Carman from the Pacific Northwest region of the USA may be the next great creator of children's books. JK Rowling move over: there is now solid competition for the role of magician of children's literature in the ranks of J. R. R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis has arrived. Born on February 27th, 1966, in Salem, Oregon. Carman is a graduate of Willamette University with a degree in economics. He started out working in advertising, game desi...more An Ascending Star in the Young Readers Books Department!

Patrick Carman from the Pacific Northwest region of the USA may be the next great creator of children's books. JK Rowling move over: there is now solid competition for the role of magician of children's literature in the ranks of J. R. R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis has arrived. Born on February 27th, 1966, in Salem, Oregon. Carman is a graduate of Willamette University with a degree in economics. He started out working in advertising, game design, and technology. After a career as an entrepreneur, Carman became an author, specialized in writing for young adults and children. And the results of that background, in tandem with the success of his previous novels, account for the polish and creativity of his latest novel, FLOORS.

There is a very clever and delectable description form the PR for this book that describes the story with the same flavor as the novel and is well worth repeating here: 'Charlie had his chocolate factory. Stanley Yelnats had his holes. Leo has the wacky, amazing Whippet Hotel. There's mystery and adventure on every floor. There's no other place on Earth quite like the Whippet Hotel. Each and every floor has its own wacky design -- and its own wacky secrets. The guests are either mad or mysterious. And ducks are everywhere. Leo Fillmore should know everything there is to know about the Whippet Hotel -- he is the janitor's son, after all. But a whole lot more mystery gets thrown his way when four cryptic boxes are left for him . . . boxes that lead him to hidden floors, strange puzzles, and an unexpected friend or two. Join Leo as he takes the ride of his life, without ever having to step outside. As the hotel starts falling apart and the mystery thickens, there's only one thing Leo can know for sure: The future of the Whippet Hotel depends on him.' THAT is a delightful summary.

But summaries of book tales alone cannot do justice to the quality of writing and the sensitive 'secondary messages' that Carman weaves through this book that is as enchanting for adults as it is for the age group for which it was written. That is where Patrick Carman resembles CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien: this is elegant writing, always maintaining a flair for mystery and suspense while never forgetting the comedic side of both the story and the service of writing books for young minds. It is an adventure that stars a funky hotel, a solid lad and son and friend in Leo, intercultural bonding as with the housekeeper's doorman son Remi, and respect for animals - both ducks and dogs as representatives for the non human aspect of the animal phylum, and many other issues that Carman uses to make this book more than just an entertaining story but a treatise on philosophical wisdom as well.

FLOORS seems to be the beginning of another series of books form Patrick Carman and if the books to follow have the same degree of excitement and intelligent writing as this one, keep your eye out for the next release: they are bound to be as fascinating as the various boxes that illuminate this fine book.

Grady Harp(less)

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Sep 28, 2011 Eden rated it 4 of 5 stars

These kind of omniscient-POV, anazingly, crazily imaginative middle-grade fantasies (and they're always MG. Always. Don't even try to argue) rock my world. The Pinball Room, for example: the floor is slanted, the flippers are couches and the balls are as big as bowling balls. Then there's the Cake Room, which always needs A/C or else there'll be a "frosting disaster". So. Awesome.

The omniscient point of view is extremely helpful in developing the protagonist and supporting characters. Leo, a cur...more

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Aug 27, 2012 Glimmerfee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Leo lebt zusammen mit seinem Vater im wohl schönsten und zugleich verrücktesten Hotel der Welt, allerdings sind sie keine Gäste sondern sie sind für die Instandhaltung der Zimmer und den reibungslosen Ablauf zuständig. Seit über einhundert Tagen ist Merganzer D. Whippet verschwunden, er ist der Erbauer und Besitzer des Whippet Hotel. Plötzlich scheint das Hotel durchzudrehen, ein Reparaturzettel nach dem nächsten kommt aus dem Haifischmaul von Daisy und dann tauchen rätselhafte Kisten auf und fü...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Jackie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, adventure, children-fiction, puzzles, animals-ducks

Leo, and his dad, work and live at the Whippet Hotel...the wackiest, most outlandish place in Manhattan. It was built by Merganzer D. Whippet, a man fond of puzzles, elevators that go every which way, and ducks. Leo loves the Whippet! But, it seems to be in disrepair and Merganzer is no where to be found...he disappeared and never came back.

The Whippet Hotel is home to an odd cast of boarders and a loyal, friendly staff...except for Ms. Sparks, the hotel manager. She is mean, spiteful, and does...more

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Jun 28, 2011 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, multicultural-titles, kids-books-i-would-recommend

Review of an advance copy:
Imagine Charlie and the Chocolate Factory except instead of a chocolate factory, we've got an amazing hotel with the most fantastic rooms and inventions imaginable, and instead of a boy on his own, our hero (Leo) has a friend. The guest rooms include a pinball room where even the furniture is part of the pinball game (as extra-bouncy bumpers), a cake room with the cake supply replenished daily, a ponds and caves room featuring a 4 foot koi, a robot room, a Central Park...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Dana rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 12, 2012 Tessa Joy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Leo and his father are maintenance men at the Whippet Hotel. This hotel, created by Merganzer D. Whippet, is unlike any hotel ever built. There are hidden floors, wacky inventions, secret elevators, and rooms that are completely different from one another. Mr. Whippet has gone missing and the hotel manager, Ms. Sparks, is trying to take over the hotel and fire staff loyal to Mr. Whippet. A box appears for Leo from Mr. Whippet with clues that take Leo through the most secret parts of the hotel. W...more

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May 17, 2013 Linnae rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: clean-reads, fantasy-sci-fi, juvenile, read-aloud

Leo lives with his Dad in the basement of the amazing, eccentric, exclusive Whippet Hotel. His Dad is the maintenance man and his Leo is his right-hand man. Together they know all about keeping the resident ducks happy (including frequent use of the duck elevator), and keeping each floor in top condition. But lately things have been going more haywire than usual, and Leo and his Dad are about at their wits' end.

Mr. Merganzer, the owner, builder, and inventor of the hotel, has been missing for qu...more

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Apr 24, 2013 Despair Speaking rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: inventions, robots

This is one of those children's books that's basically about one boy's life. Doesn't really sound interesting, except this boy happened living with his father in a hotel full of rooms with wacky inventions and DUCKS. Got your attention?

I found the concept interesting and I would have loved to be have lived in such a wonderful hotel. The ending reminded me slightly of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, although I admit I didn't expect the supposed antagonist's true intentions. I had been worrying...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Barbara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ncbla

The Whippet Hotel in New York City is a strange place with ducks who ride an elevator and then take their daily walk in the park. It also boasts floors that have their own unique design and appeal. When the hotel's owner disappears, Leo Filmore, the son of the janitor, watches as the hotel seems to be falling apart. When four different boxes turn up for him, each one leads to a mystery and a hidden floor or a puzzle that he needs to solve. Young readers will enjoy trying to solve the mysteries a...more

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Mar 09, 2013 Terry rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: blush-free-reads

To be clear, this isn't a bad book. It reads like a less-charming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. There's a quasi-magical castle (The Whippet Hotel) with improbable rooms like a certain confectionery, and a mysterious rich-guy/inventor, Merganzer Whippet, who's disappearance leads a plucky young Charlie - I mean Leo! - on a tour to solve elaborate puzzles and perhaps understand where the missing Wonka/Merganzer went. Loved the original Roald Dahl story, but this is a knock-off to be sure. It...more

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Mar 27, 2012 Elena added it

Shelves: audio-book, didn-t-finish

I didn't finish this book because I absolutely COULD NOT STAND the person reading it in the audio version!! My first grader would be more pleasant to listen to!! I actually listened to most of it, and did enjoy the story line, kind of whimsical & very creative. But the audio version ruined it for me. I'm not even going to rate it, I'm too mad. By all means give it a try...but read it, DO NOT GET THE AUDIO VERSION! (did I make my point clear enough?)

P.S. In fairness to Jesse Bernstein (the na...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

Leo is a fun character. He is full of ingenuity, loyalty and kindness. The wacky Whippet Hotel is a very cool setting for a story. I wish I could spend a few nights there myself, with Leo as my guide of course.

The mysterious Merganzer Whippet, although not physically present in the book, casts a spell of wit, charm and imagination over the story as Leo struggles to find ways to preserve the eccentric ideas Merganzer imple...more

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Apr 04, 2012 Dana rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun fantasy book about 10 year old Leo Fillmore, who works with his father who is the maintenance man at the Whippet Hotel, which was built by Merganzer Whippet and is filled with wacky inventions. The hotel includes a cake room, a pinball machine room, a flying farm room and a haunted room and floors that no one knows about. When Mr. Whippet has been missing for months and things start to go wrong with the hotel, Leo receives a mysterious message that says it is up to him to save the...more

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May 29, 2013 Natasha rated it 3 of 5 stars

A fun and quirky read. I think children will love the quirky hotel and mystery. Ducks wander the hotel after all, why not find out why? Just to peak your interest, here's a few of the fantastical rooms described: a room dedicated to a pinball machine, a room inspired by cakes and cupcakes, an elevator just for the ducks, and a DNA inspired mode of transportation.

I love the quirky inventions and hotel rooms. I also love the ducks (and Betsy's personality). It's light-hearted but still has good te...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Shazzer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-middle-grade, middle-grade

I read the first two thirds of this book while standing in lines at the National Book Festival, and so I'm going to chock up my initial disinterest in 1) the heat and 2) the distractions. For the first forty pages or so, I was skimming, and had to admit to my friends that I wasn't quite sure what was going on. By the time I finished Floors, I had caught on the plot and had mildly enjoyed my time with the book (although there's a Roald Dahl homage/ripping off that bugged me). I hope to read the s...more

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Sep 12, 2011 June Morgan rated it 4 of 5 stars

What could be more fun than living in an old hotel where the staff is strange, the occupants are just plain weird, and the plot keeps you hopping. That was my experience in reading Patrick Carman's new book, FLOORS.

Ten year old Leo and his dad consist of the maintenance staff. They live in the basement. The boy and his father seem skilled to handle the strange problems found in the hotel.

The Whippet Hotel is home to several tenants who never seem to have to work. Like the real Peabody Hotels,...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: middle-grade

What a fun and wacky read! Not since my days of Roald Dahl have I fallen this in love with a story line. The Whippet Hotel is a place built out of the imagination of a very interesting man. Merganzer Whippet, the hotel's designer, was told that he would one day invent wacky things! If this hotel is any indication, that's completely right. From a room with edible furniture, to one that is built just like a pinball machine (that you can PLAY!) this is a hotel that I would be happy to stay in! I th...more

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Nov 20, 2012 Leslie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Leo and his father are the custodians of the Whippet Hotel, a crazy and mysterious "Wonka-like" place where every floor has a secret. Leo is left some strange boxes which lead him with clues to one room after another. Leo needs to be successful in his solving of the mystery so that he can save the hotel and his own future.

The audio version of the book was very slow to start. The first four chapters dragged on until finally the boxes appeared and the mystery began. Once the reader or listener get...more

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May 12, 2013 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Upper Elementary and Middle School

Shelves: childrens-materials, 3rd-grade-age, ages-8-and-up, best-chapter-books, birds, fantasy, for-boys, for-girls, humor-for-kids, insects, kids, mystery

For Grades 3 – 7, Age Range: 8 and up, Series: Floor book 1, Lexile 870L

Leo does not have a normal life. He lives in the basement of the Whippet Hotel where each floor is different and sometimes dangerous. The owner of the hotel has disappeared which means that Leo is now in charge of walking the hotel’s geese. But now Leo must figure out the mystery that Mr. Whippet has left and everything he cares about hangs in the balance, the hotel, his family, friends, and future.

Great read and a Fun book...more

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Feb 12, 2012 Kim McGee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Patrick Carmen has written a book that is reminiscent of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Leo and his father live in the basement of a very strange hotel where they are the custodians. On any given day Leo must walk the ducks, coming down off the roof in their own elevator, take care of doggie accidents and the various quirky needs of the Whippet Hotel's occupants. When the hotel's owner goes missing Leo must try to solve his whereabouts by using the clues that have been left behin...more

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May 01, 2012 Collin rated it 3 of 5 stars

His YA books are better.

This was cute. Not much else, just cute. Honestly, I had a hard time getting through it. But it's Patrick Carman, so I kept pushing, hoping for something better, something more entertaining, and... there just wasn't much to go on. I should have liked the hotel. I should have liked all the funky people. But it didn't feel very fun. It felt like a cow dressed up as a bunny rabbit - trying too hard to be adorable, but ending up just weakly cute, and a little weird, too. I'll...more

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title link	preview: Floors
avg rating	preview: Floors Goodreads rating: 3.82 (766 ratings)
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Floors (Floors #1)

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