The Nothing to See Here Hotel

The Nothing to See Here Hotel follows Frankie Banister, who helps his parents run a hotel that caters exclusively to magical creatures. Located in Brighton, England, the establishment appears as a derelict building to human eyes but serves as a bustling destination for trolls, goblins, and other supernatural beings. When the hotel prepares to host Prince Grogbah, a young troll royal, Frankie suspects something isn't right about their important guest. The story centers on Frankie's efforts to uncover the truth while managing the hotel's eccentric guests and protecting his family's centuries-old business. Strange events, magical mishaps, and comedic situations fill this middle-grade adventure as Frankie navigates relationships with both magical and non-magical beings. The narrative combines elements of fantasy and mystery while maintaining a fast pace. This book explores themes of belonging and acceptance, suggesting that what appears strange or different on the surface often harbors unexpected value. Through its varied cast of characters, the story presents a world where diversity becomes a source of strength.

Readers call this book silly, fun, and full of quirky magical creatures. Parents report their 7-12 year old children laugh out loud while reading it and ask for the next books in the series. Liked: - Josh Kirby-style illustrations enhance the story - Fast-paced plot keeps kids engaged - Creative monster descriptions and magical elements - Humor appeals to both children and adults - Easy-to-read chapters for newer independent readers Disliked: - Some found the plot too chaotic - A few felt the humor relied too heavily on bodily functions - Minor complaints about predictable story elements Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.7/5 (400+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.6/5 (50+ ratings) Common review quote: "My reluctant reader couldn't put it down" The book earned particular praise from teachers and librarians for engaging struggling readers with its accessible writing style and frequent illustrations.

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🏨 Author Steven Butler originally trained as an actor and performed in London's West End before becoming a children's book writer. 🌟 The book features unique illustrations by Steven Lenton that bring the magical hotel and its bizarre guests to vibrant life. 👻 While many monster stories focus on scares, this series celebrates differences and creates a world where magical creatures are welcomed rather than feared. 🎭 The main character, Frankie Banister, comes from a family of humans and trolls - making him uniquely qualified to understand both magical and non-magical hotel guests. 🏰 The hotel setting was partially inspired by Britain's grand Victorian-era seaside hotels, but with fantastical twists like secret tunnels and rooms that change size and shape.