Set in a rickety, falling-down hotel in the middle of a bleak moor, the adventures of the Oldmoor Orphans star Ernest and Daisy, who have been left to run their grandmother’s hotel with the sometimes questionable help of her cantankerous old parrot Samson.

In this first volume, Elsie Tulip checks in and warns the children that she is terribly allergic to furry animals, so it’s absolutely vital that none are allowed into the hotel.  However, no sooner has Elsie gone up to her room, than a squirrel drops down the chimney, to be followed by another, and another, and another.  Chaos ensues as Ernest and Daisy resort to ever more desperate and ingenious attempts to drive the animals from the building.  But the squirrels seem absolutely determined to head directly for Elsie’s room – and the children begin to wonder if Elsie is quite what she seems…

Each story in the series follows the efforts of Ernest and Daisy to cope with their guests’ unusual, comic and sometimes touching demands.  Future guests include Oscar Brittle, who can only get to sleep if he’s read hundreds of bedtime stories, and the Brothers Gym, two octogenarian brothers who have been trying to outdo each other at sport since infancy and have chosen the hotel as the site of their final showdown.

 About the Author:

Simon Nicholson has written for film, theatre and television.  He has worked extensively in children’s television, writing many episodes of popular series including Bob the Builder and Tracy Beaker.  He also works in schools in association with Creative Partnerships, working with teachers and children on storytelling.