Chap. 2The Whispering Library

The tunnel opened into a big room with shelves all around. Books floated in the air, and some even hummed. Pip's eyes widened. 'Look!' he said, pointing to a book with wings. It fluttered away, chasing a glowing pebble. Barnaby laughed and chased after it. 'Let me catch that one!' he shouted. They ran, giggling, through the floating books and sparkly dust.

A great big book with golden letters flew toward them. It landed with a soft thump and opened on its own. Words floated out and formed a picture of the meadow. Pip gasped. 'This is our world!' he said. But the book turned to a new page, and a shadowy figure appeared. It had no face, just a shape. Barnaby stepped forward, brave as ever. 'Who are you?' he asked. The figure whispered, 'The Keeper of Secrets.'