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The Secrets of Droon #1
The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet
Underneath the steps leading down to Eric's basement is a hidden storage space. It's dusty and old- nothing special at all. But when Eric, Julie, and Neal all huddle inside the gray room together, something unbelievable happens. A glittering light and then a rainbow-colored staircase appear. And as the kids take their very first step down into the mysterious land of Droon, they know that only magic and adventure await them!
81 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1999
240 people are currently reading
2850 people want to read
About the author
Tony Abbott
210 books403 followersTony Abbott (born 1952) is an American author of children's books. His most popular work is the book series The Secrets of Droon, which includes over 40 books. He has sold over 12 million copies of his books and they have been translated into several other languages, including Italian, Spanish, Korean, French, Japanese, Polish, Turkish, and Russian. He has also written the bestseller Firegirl.
Abbott was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1952. His father was a university professor and had an extensive library of books which became one of Abbott's first sources of literature. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Connecticut where he went through elementary school and high school.
Abbott attended the University of Connecticut, and after studying both music and psychology, decided to study English and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in English literature. He attended the workshops of Patricia Reilly Giff to further develop his writing after college.
Abbott currently lives in Trumbull, Connecticut, with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs. Tony had one brother and two sisters.
Abbott was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1952. His father was a university professor and had an extensive library of books which became one of Abbott's first sources of literature. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Connecticut where he went through elementary school and high school.
Abbott attended the University of Connecticut, and after studying both music and psychology, decided to study English and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in English literature. He attended the workshops of Patricia Reilly Giff to further develop his writing after college.
Abbott currently lives in Trumbull, Connecticut, with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs. Tony had one brother and two sisters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
April 28, 2023
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I was impressed by “City Of The Dead”: an eerie family journey of heavy emotional challenges. It is a 2009 Louisiana series whose sequel looks even better. I need a copy. Lacking the entire “The Haunting Of Derek Stone” sequence leaves an uncomfortable cliffhanger. I noticed that Tony Abbott is famous for a juvenile 1999 series called “The Secrets Of Droon” and gave its début a try: “The Hidden Stairs And The Magic Carpet”. I appreciated its creativity and humour but it is structured so much for little children that it does not translate all around, engagingly to other ages. I love my paranormal, mystery, fantasy, and magic niche best and lament at how hard it is to find.
I relish the elements that sparkle with adventure, wonderment, and emotion if only these catered to grown-ups with 30+ aged heroes. Adult fare is limited to romance drama, wars, or vampire hunting type crap. If magical, wondrous adventures were made for my age, the story would not hinge on finding a staircase cubbyhole portal to a fairyland because your parents forced you to clean the basement before you could play with your friends. Idiotically, these heroes upon returning, worried mainly about finishing that basement before their parents noticed their absence. Goodness, my folks would much rather hear about a portal under our stairs!
Having resorted to them for magical adventures often, I enjoy children’s books and attest that many of them are profound. This one is not and 81 pages were enough for me but its inventiveness was boundless. A moderated pace might enrich Droon by giving pivotal moments éclat. It seems geared only for surface sensory colourfulness. Eclectic animal characters and all the important scenes and information race by. My dear nephew is nearly the right age to enjoy this.
I was impressed by “City Of The Dead”: an eerie family journey of heavy emotional challenges. It is a 2009 Louisiana series whose sequel looks even better. I need a copy. Lacking the entire “The Haunting Of Derek Stone” sequence leaves an uncomfortable cliffhanger. I noticed that Tony Abbott is famous for a juvenile 1999 series called “The Secrets Of Droon” and gave its début a try: “The Hidden Stairs And The Magic Carpet”. I appreciated its creativity and humour but it is structured so much for little children that it does not translate all around, engagingly to other ages. I love my paranormal, mystery, fantasy, and magic niche best and lament at how hard it is to find.
I relish the elements that sparkle with adventure, wonderment, and emotion if only these catered to grown-ups with 30+ aged heroes. Adult fare is limited to romance drama, wars, or vampire hunting type crap. If magical, wondrous adventures were made for my age, the story would not hinge on finding a staircase cubbyhole portal to a fairyland because your parents forced you to clean the basement before you could play with your friends. Idiotically, these heroes upon returning, worried mainly about finishing that basement before their parents noticed their absence. Goodness, my folks would much rather hear about a portal under our stairs!
Having resorted to them for magical adventures often, I enjoy children’s books and attest that many of them are profound. This one is not and 81 pages were enough for me but its inventiveness was boundless. A moderated pace might enrich Droon by giving pivotal moments éclat. It seems geared only for surface sensory colourfulness. Eclectic animal characters and all the important scenes and information race by. My dear nephew is nearly the right age to enjoy this.
June 12, 2018
Someone was selling a lot of 12 middle grade books on Facebook for $5. How could I refuse? Some I wanted, some I didn't. Some I already had, and some I had never heard of. This one falls into the last category. But it was only 80 pages so I figured I would give it a shot. I just read it in about 45 minutes. It was pretty cute and fun, and made me so excited for the future where I can read books like this to my daughters before bed. I will have to remember this series and come back to it in a few years when they are older. I'm not sure what the best age is for this book. 8? My oldest is only 3. 😕
May 23, 2011
For all the hype I heard on this series I was a bit disappointed. The book is a second grade reading level (give or take depending on the child) with a kindergarten story line. It focuses on 3 children who are suppose to be cleaning out a basement and learn that the closet under the stairs is a gateway to another world, called Droon. They enter Droon, save a princess and go home. End of story.
The overall concept for this series seemed to have potential but I feel the author could have done a better job and added more to it for the older children or shortened it and kept it a young children's book. Just my opinion, mind you.
The overall concept for this series seemed to have potential but I feel the author could have done a better job and added more to it for the older children or shortened it and kept it a young children's book. Just my opinion, mind you.
June 9, 2015
چطور می تونم به مجموعه ای که منو فانتزی خون و در واقع، کتاب خون کرد کمتر از پنج ستاره بدم؟:)
یادش بخیر دوم دبستان بودم شروع کردم خوندنش رو :)
بعد از اون بود که من عاشق و دیوونه ی کتاب و مخصوصاً فانتزی شدم...
یادش بخیر دوم دبستان بودم شروع کردم خوندنش رو :)
بعد از اون بود که من عاشق و دیوونه ی کتاب و مخصوصاً فانتزی شدم...
February 1, 2022
I first saw this book at a Scholastic book fair in probably 1999 or 2000, just as the Harry Potter book craze was beginning to skyrocket. I was 9 years old. It was advertised as "what to read while waiting for the next Harry Potter". The boy on the front even had round glasses. I read the first few books as a kid but never finished the series.
Now, at age 30, I am on a mission to read all 40-something DROON books. I always wanted to know how the story ended, since I was in 4th grade. This may be Harry Potter/Narnia-lite for young readers not ready for a heftier series...but I will always remember seeing the cover at the book fair and wondering what was contained within...
This series consists of short chapter books wherein three young friends travel to a magical world called Droon. From what I can tell so far, it seems like some of the ideas are pretty cliche for a fantasy world (especially in the wake of Harry Potter). But, my nostalgia for this series made it a fun & quick read, and I am eager to see what twists and turns the story takes in its over 40 volumes.
There is an imaginative and playful quality to the author's world and its inhabitants. (More to come as I continue my journey into Droon.)
Now, at age 30, I am on a mission to read all 40-something DROON books. I always wanted to know how the story ended, since I was in 4th grade. This may be Harry Potter/Narnia-lite for young readers not ready for a heftier series...but I will always remember seeing the cover at the book fair and wondering what was contained within...
This series consists of short chapter books wherein three young friends travel to a magical world called Droon. From what I can tell so far, it seems like some of the ideas are pretty cliche for a fantasy world (especially in the wake of Harry Potter). But, my nostalgia for this series made it a fun & quick read, and I am eager to see what twists and turns the story takes in its over 40 volumes.
There is an imaginative and playful quality to the author's world and its inhabitants. (More to come as I continue my journey into Droon.)
May 10, 2019
جزو اولین کتاب هایی بود که خوندم. فک کنم حدود سوم دبستان اینا بود.
فک کنم تا حدود جلد 20 این مجموعه رو خونده بودم.
اون موقع سالی حدود 5 جلد از سری چاپ میشد، برا همین من همش مجبور بودم برا خوندن جلد های جدید قبلی ها رو دوباره بخونم که داستان یادم بیاد.
اونقدر این کار رو کرده بودم که اول بعضی کتاباش خلاصه اون جلد رو نوشته بودم که دیگه نرم کلش رو بخونم.
:D
تا اونجایی که یادم میاد 10 جلد اولش خیلی چیز خاصی نداشت. تازه از 10 جلد دوم جون میگرفت داستان.
بریم دیگه این بار برای اتمام مجموعه.
فک کنم تا حدود جلد 20 این مجموعه رو خونده بودم.
اون موقع سالی حدود 5 جلد از سری چاپ میشد، برا همین من همش مجبور بودم برا خوندن جلد های جدید قبلی ها رو دوباره بخونم که داستان یادم بیاد.
اونقدر این کار رو کرده بودم که اول بعضی کتاباش خلاصه اون جلد رو نوشته بودم که دیگه نرم کلش رو بخونم.
:D
تا اونجایی که یادم میاد 10 جلد اولش خیلی چیز خاصی نداشت. تازه از 10 جلد دوم جون میگرفت داستان.
بریم دیگه این بار برای اتمام مجموعه.
June 30, 2015
I must admit I was leary of starting this book. It is hard to imagine starting a new series with over 40 books in it that was started 16 years ago. I feared loving the book and being hooked for the whole series. And as much as I love most of Tony Abbott's books that I have read I also feared not liking it and being disappointed. With mixed feelings I must say it is the first. I now have a much bigger to read pile thanks to venturing into the world of Droon.
I find I go through spurts reading middle grade, young adult, and non-fiction almost alternately. I am really glad I picked up this book. My oldest two children are just at the point where they can read these books to me. It has been really fun going back and reading some of Tony Abbott's earlier works now that they are showing up in ebook formats. This book though simple, was very enjoyable and I know my children will love it. And the benefit is that being part of a finished series they will not have to wait for new books to come out.
This is an interesting fantasy story. For when Julie, Neal, and Eric are cleaning the basement they discover that when the door under the stairs is closed a set of steps appear leading down, those steps lead to another realm, the realm of Droon. They soon realize that Droon is a place in turmoil and after encountering red shiny men, flying lizards, And angry wizard named Sparr and some other fantastical creatures, and a princess that needs their help. And much more. Overall a great little read.
This was the 16th book by Tony Aboott that I have read out of his 100 published. It was a fun read and I look forward to where the series will go next. So give it a try and see, you just might fall in love with Droon also!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More with links to reviews of other books by Tony. As well as an author profile and interview with Tony Abbott.
I find I go through spurts reading middle grade, young adult, and non-fiction almost alternately. I am really glad I picked up this book. My oldest two children are just at the point where they can read these books to me. It has been really fun going back and reading some of Tony Abbott's earlier works now that they are showing up in ebook formats. This book though simple, was very enjoyable and I know my children will love it. And the benefit is that being part of a finished series they will not have to wait for new books to come out.
This is an interesting fantasy story. For when Julie, Neal, and Eric are cleaning the basement they discover that when the door under the stairs is closed a set of steps appear leading down, those steps lead to another realm, the realm of Droon. They soon realize that Droon is a place in turmoil and after encountering red shiny men, flying lizards, And angry wizard named Sparr and some other fantastical creatures, and a princess that needs their help. And much more. Overall a great little read.
This was the 16th book by Tony Aboott that I have read out of his 100 published. It was a fun read and I look forward to where the series will go next. So give it a try and see, you just might fall in love with Droon also!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More with links to reviews of other books by Tony. As well as an author profile and interview with Tony Abbott.
May 20, 2024
This is a great early chapter book for younger readers that has magical elements and adventure. After stumbling upon a hidden staircase, three young children are transported to another realm that’s filled with some imaginative characters, secret codes and new found friends. My 7-year-old son and I both enjoyed it! I liked that this wasn’t too dark or intense like other fantasy books that are geared toward this age group can be. I have seen reviews compare this series to Magic Treehouse books but I personally preferred the writing style in this book more. Looking forward to reading more in the series!
April 3, 2017
**Rated by my daughter**
July 11, 2024
Not bad for an early chapter adventure book. I remember loving these books as a kid, and as an adult, they didn't disappoint. However my taste for what makes a great read have evolved.
August 11, 2018
I read this series when I was a first grader and thought it was great. I still have most of the books.
May 8, 2025
Keaton read this to me as a bedtime story. I loved the series as a kid but in all honesty only four stars.
July 13, 2012
Early chapter books aren’t my specialty. I don’t read them often, but my son was in need of a new series, so I read the first book of The Secrets of Droon. I was impressed. The story was very simplistic, of course, but what takes me twenty minutes to breeze through takes him several hours. That’s enough time for a child to be thoroughly immersed in a magical adventure.
Eric Hinkle and his friends Neil and Julie are regular soccer-playing kids who stumble onto a stairway that leads to Droon. But Droon is an unhappy land, terrorized by the evil Lord Sparr. Princess Keeah charges Eric with delivering an important message to Galen Longbeard, the five hundred-year-old wizard. Shortly after, she’s captured by Ninns (Lord Sparr’s red, fat-faced minnions) who ride groggles (flying lizards). Even worse, Lord Sparr is close to finding the first of Three Powers that would give him dominion over the whole world. It’s up to Eric and friends to set things right.
This is a well-done story for only eighty pages of large type. Sentences and chapters are short and manageable. Words and names are mostly phonetic, easy to sound out, like “Sparr” and “Zorfendorf.” It does include some more challenging vocabulary words like “invisible” and “petrified,” but I like to see a few stretchers. I’d call it an easy third grade read and a real kid-pleaser. And there are FORTY books in this series to keep them reading.
Eric Hinkle and his friends Neil and Julie are regular soccer-playing kids who stumble onto a stairway that leads to Droon. But Droon is an unhappy land, terrorized by the evil Lord Sparr. Princess Keeah charges Eric with delivering an important message to Galen Longbeard, the five hundred-year-old wizard. Shortly after, she’s captured by Ninns (Lord Sparr’s red, fat-faced minnions) who ride groggles (flying lizards). Even worse, Lord Sparr is close to finding the first of Three Powers that would give him dominion over the whole world. It’s up to Eric and friends to set things right.
This is a well-done story for only eighty pages of large type. Sentences and chapters are short and manageable. Words and names are mostly phonetic, easy to sound out, like “Sparr” and “Zorfendorf.” It does include some more challenging vocabulary words like “invisible” and “petrified,” but I like to see a few stretchers. I’d call it an easy third grade read and a real kid-pleaser. And there are FORTY books in this series to keep them reading.
April 24, 2008
"'To Droon'" they cheered." I agree! This is a fun little chapter book which will appeal to grades 2-4 and maybe even early grade 1 readers. A little Chronicles of Narnia, a dash of Lord of the Rings, and a pinch of Harry Potter, wrapped in short chapters and age appropriate language, round out the recipe for The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet, the first book in The Secrets of Droon Series. Follow Eric and his friends down a secret staircase hidden in his basement to the land of Droon, filled strange creatures, an evil wizard and a powerful princess.
CIP Summary:
None. From the back of the book: "Eric, Julie and Neal have just found something magic in Eric's basement. They have discovered a staircase to another world!"
From Booklist Online:
The story is full of otherworldly creatures and strange magic. Wyman’s careful, finely paced reading allows young listeners to absorb the strange creatures and the magic. He wisely differentiates his tones slightly so kids can distinguish between heroes and villains. As well, Wyman’s skillful narration builds suspense. The recording begins and ends with music.
CIP Summary:
None. From the back of the book: "Eric, Julie and Neal have just found something magic in Eric's basement. They have discovered a staircase to another world!"
From Booklist Online:
The story is full of otherworldly creatures and strange magic. Wyman’s careful, finely paced reading allows young listeners to absorb the strange creatures and the magic. He wisely differentiates his tones slightly so kids can distinguish between heroes and villains. As well, Wyman’s skillful narration builds suspense. The recording begins and ends with music.
May 17, 2016
This series was my first foray into fantasy books in second grade. I remember reading one or two a day and passing them on to my fellow blossoming readers in my class. For a fantasy loving, imaginative seven year old there was nothing better than sitting down on the couch after school with the latest book in the Secrets of Droon series. For a children's' series, it was fun to read. I'd recommend it to any parent looking to get their young kids into reading (6-10 years old depending on reading level). When I out grew this series there was about 20 or so books published, so I never finished the series.
May 13, 2019
دوم سوم دبستان بودم که این کتاب رو از کتابخونه گرفتم و خوندم. اون قدر ازش خوشم اومد که هر روز از مدرسه راهمو طولانی می کردم که برم کتابخونه و جلد بعدیشو بگیرم. اما متاسفانه اون کتابخونه از یه جایی به بعد، کتابا رو نداشت. منم این قدر به مامانم التماس کردم که از نمایشگاه کتاب، همه چهل و چهار جلد رو برام خرید.
یادمه هیجان داستان ها رو خیلی دوست داشتم. شاید اگه الان دوباره بخونمشون دیگه اون حس رو بهم ندن، اما اون موقع واقعا باعث می شدن که یه جاهایی نفسم بالا نیاد. حتی شبا دوست نداشتم بذارمشون کنار و بخوابم!
یادمه هیجان داستان ها رو خیلی دوست داشتم. شاید اگه الان دوباره بخونمشون دیگه اون حس رو بهم ندن، اما اون موقع واقعا باعث می شدن که یه جاهایی نفسم بالا نیاد. حتی شبا دوست نداشتم بذارمشون کنار و بخوابم!
October 14, 2014
My grandson who is an almost 7 first grader loves this series. I thought I should read at least one so I'd know the main characters and the basic plot. This book is a fairly standard secret world adventure story where the good guys are really good, the bad guys are "pure evil" and the children save the day. While it did not do much for me, I see why a 6 or 7 year old would really love this fast moving story.
January 31, 2009
Three kids have to clean the basement and find a door to another world. Pretty much a generic example of this much-used plotline. Not much characterization, lots of made up words, magic, some adventures. This story has been done many times, and usually better, but this is an inoffensive, easy-to-read version for elementary schoolers.
September 28, 2021
7yo review "4.5/5 stars. My favorite character was Neal because he was the main character and asks the most questions. I liked the wizard, but he was only in 2-3 pages. And Princess Keeah I liked because she was kind and magical. The setting is a magical land they had to take a stair case to get to. It is happy, sunny, bright and magical. The story begins with Neal and his 2 friends wanting to play, but have to clean his basement where he throws a ball and they find a magic staircase. They then go on an adventure that involves a tower where there's a spider, running away from nids, and helping princess Keeah who gets kidnapped. YES, I would recommend this book." (grade 2-3, 380L, GR-O, DRA 34-38, ACR-2.9)
July 2, 2020
Yay I found another kid series I liked! I’ve been trying to find books for my upcoming third grader, but I decided I couldn’t just trust random lists I found on Pinterest because some of them had “Island of the Blur Dolphins” which is still a disturbing book for a little kid to read. A friend recommended this series, and I think my son will like it. I did. ❤️
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September 17, 2021Vivian, this is how you leaned what a cliffhanger is.
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February 16, 2025Was hoping that this would be a fun series for one of my daughters, but I’m not sure it’s going to be one that we keep reading.
February 16, 2022
I give this story a five out of 5 because it is about these kids who found a hidden door and there where steps that lead down to this tunnel kinda and they meet this person and one of the kids went with the girl to hide from these monsters and then they find there way out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2022
این کتاب خیلی تخیلی بود و من هر چهار شخصیتش را خیلی دوست داشتم من بخشی که وارد دنیای خیالی شدند را خیلی دوست دارم.این کتاب برای من تجربه ی شگفت انگیزی بود و به همه پیشنهاد می کنم.
November 18, 2013
Title / Author / Publication Date: The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet/Tony Abbot/1999
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Plot summary: This book was easy to read and would have been just the sort of adventure I'd love to have read when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade!
After entering the tiny room underneath the stairs, three friends find themselves in a magic world of shiny red men and flying lizards, and they are soon forced to face great challenges in order to survive and make their way back home.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: N/A
Review citation: N/A
Section source used to find the material: Christina Jones Recommendation, Monroe County Public Library
Recommended age: 9 and up
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Plot summary: This book was easy to read and would have been just the sort of adventure I'd love to have read when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade!
After entering the tiny room underneath the stairs, three friends find themselves in a magic world of shiny red men and flying lizards, and they are soon forced to face great challenges in order to survive and make their way back home.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: N/A
Review citation: N/A
Section source used to find the material: Christina Jones Recommendation, Monroe County Public Library
Recommended age: 9 and up
December 15, 2009
2nd-4th grade
The story introduces us Eric, Julie and Neal who are best friends who discover a magical staircase that just appears under Eric's basement stairs. As they cautiously creep down the stairs the enter the mysterious land of Droon. This book is very fast paced full of magic, fantasy and adventure. There is a lot of white space with an occasional picutre. The paragraphs are 3 to 4 sentences and the sentences are short. The typeface is medium-large. Children would enjoy this book because it would bring them into the world of make believe.
Language Arts/Art
Students could draw their version of the magical staircase.
The story introduces us Eric, Julie and Neal who are best friends who discover a magical staircase that just appears under Eric's basement stairs. As they cautiously creep down the stairs the enter the mysterious land of Droon. This book is very fast paced full of magic, fantasy and adventure. There is a lot of white space with an occasional picutre. The paragraphs are 3 to 4 sentences and the sentences are short. The typeface is medium-large. Children would enjoy this book because it would bring them into the world of make believe.
Language Arts/Art
Students could draw their version of the magical staircase.
November 15, 2010
Okay, the truth is, this book is poorly written, has corny messages, and paper thin characters. It has about seventy five pages of plot, and the series goes on far too long. That's the way I look on it now. However, I was absolutely obsessed with this series when I was in second grade, and read the first twenty books or so really quickly, since I loved it. Since this book is aimed at that age group, it obviously did something right. By the way, something I'm annoyed at with these series (droon, magic tree house, etc.) is that the first fans, who loved the first books as they came out, are far too old for books thirty or forty. It makes people never able to finish the series.
March 7, 2015
I finished reading the first book of the Secrets of Droon chapter book series with my 5-year-old tonight. He is completely enthralled, and has already started seeking out the subsequent books in his school library (we have #2,3, and 4 in a box set). After we finished the first book, he said "and tomorrow night we'll read the first two chapters of the next book!" I thought the writing was engaging for youngsters, and painted a very vivid and exciting picture of the adventures these young friends embark on. I am excited to start my son reading chapter books, and what a great first adventure to spark his imagination!
March 31, 2015
This is a very nice little series for children from 4 (to be read to unless you are a homeschool family who teaches your kids to read at 4 like we do) to 9. Three kids are cleaning a basement when a hidden magical staircase pops up unexpectedly in a closet. Of course they all have to go down it and they discover a lower world called Droon which has wizards, kick-ass princesses, weird creatures, and an evil Sauron type guy who wants to get back the magical things he made long ago so to take over the Upper World (Earth). This series is channeling Tolkien in its quest by an evil one to get back the magical objects that will bring him power which have been hidden from him.
February 3, 2010
These books are poorly written and ridiculous. There are much better series for 1st and 2nd graders to read. And if you read them out loud they are agony. Remember you shouldn't force children to read anything you wouldn't like and these are drivel. I try to steer customers away from them at the bookstore where I work. Try Magic Tree House or Geronimo Stilton, Cam Jansen or Junie B. Jones instead.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews