When Eddy Hall receives five cards for his stereoscope, he and his sister, Eleanor, can't wait to see what exotic places they reveal - maybe Stonehenge, or a centuries-old European cathedral. But instead, when they look through the stereoscope, Eddy and Eleanor see some very strange things. An odd-looking rope hangs from the sky down into every picture. A marmalade colored cat that looks suspiciously like Herm, the family cat, also appears. And one picture looks like the front hall of their very own house! The images seem to be almost real, not just three-dimensional illusions. All it will take is one little tug on that rope to find out for sure...

Langton's books made a huge impression on me as a child. She has a way of taking "adult" themes and ideas and viewing them through the eyes of children on magical adventures. There's just something special about the impact. ( )

Somewhat dated, especially in terms of gender role, but overall a great adventure that takes its audience seriously. I think this was the first one I read as a kid after The Fledging, and it captivated me then. ( )