Waiters in elevators by Dylan and Amanda Shearsby

This wonderful creation will entice the imaginations of young readers as their eyes scan all the details of the elevator, exposed as each page is turned. The day’s work by Franz and Hanz, the waiters in the elevators at the Rigantoni Hotel is revealed as the facade is taken away to show the internal workings of the hotel. Readers will love seeing the way the two elevators work together each of the two hard working waiters having a part to play in the successful running of every day. From dealing with the grumpy concierge, a clock watching manager, to Lady Spongecake having her dog toiletted by one of the waiters, to playing the opening bars of Beethoven’s fifth to wake Professor Tiramisu and straightening the picture of Colonel Strudel, their days are long and hard. Not a smile, thank you or a kind word from anyone.

On their break they decide to write a letter of resignation despite their saving Lady Spongecake’s dog, Popcorn, for which again, no thanks were offered. The next day, mayhem erupts when the two do not appear for work. The concierge searches the kitchen and storeroom for the two men, and tries to accommodate the needs of his guests. But the phones keep ringing, people keep calling out for help, as the hotel’s guests are hopeless left to their own devices.

The concierge writes an abject letter of apology, and calls on Franz and Hanz, asking them to return to work, offering a small increase in pay. They arrive at work the next day, noticing some differences. The concierge smiles, the baron and the colonel ask them to stay for breakfast, and  Professor Tiramisu plays his cello for the guests.

But most of all, Hanz and Franz see lots of smiles and hear many thank yous. Everything is running at it should.

The detailed illustrations showing the internal workings of the hotel and its elevators is fascinating and young readers, and others will enjoy looking at how things work.

The book itself is a different size from most, allowing the portrait of the hotel the whole page, making it easier for younger readers to see the workings of the hotel and its guests.

The story of the two waiters will encourage young readers to think about how others see them, and how saying thank you and being kind is a necessary part of their interaction with others.

Themes: Kindness, Gratitude, Humour, Elevators, Hotels.

Fran Knight