Venture into the enchanting world of Secrets of Droon, where a magical staircase hidden in a basement whisks three friends into a realm of wizards, sorcerers, and epic adventures! Written by Tony Abbott, this beloved children’s fantasy series, published between 1999 and 2010, captivated young readers with its imaginative storytelling and heartfelt themes. With 12 million copies sold worldwide and translations in languages like Spanish, French, and Japanese, Secrets of Droon remains a cherished gateway to fantasy for early chapter book readers.
The series follows Eric Hinkle, Julie Rubin, and Neal Kroger, three kids who stumble upon a rainbow-colored staircase in Eric’s basement, leading to the magical land of Droon. There, they team up with Princess Keeah and the wise wizard Galen to battle evil forces like the sorcerer Lord Sparr. Packed with whimsical creatures and thrilling quests, Secrets of Droon is perfect for young readers eager for magic and adventure.
How Secrets of Droon Began
Tony Abbott, an Ohio-born author with over 90 books to his name, crafted Secrets of Droon after years of reading bedtime stories to his children. Inspired by the spark of fantasy in young minds, he began the series in 1999 with The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet. Published by Scholastic, the series was designed to introduce early readers to fantasy through short, illustrated chapters. Abbott’s goal was to create a world as immersive as Harry Potter but accessible to younger audiences, earning praise from the American Booksellers Association as a top pick for Potter fans.
The Heart of Secrets of Droon
The series spans 44 books, including 36 main titles and 8 special editions, each brimming with adventure. In The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet, Eric, Julie, and Neal discover Droon and help Princess Keeah rescue her kingdom from Lord Sparr’s clutches. Journey to the Volcano Palace sees the trio braving a fiery fortress to retrieve a stolen magical jewel. The Mysterious Island plunges them into a magical ocean storm, while The Final Quest, the series’ conclusion, ties up their epic journey with a battle against the moon dragon Gethwing.
Secrets of Droon shines through its vibrant setting—a world of flying lizards, shape-shifting heroes, and time-bending magic where a year in Droon is mere seconds on Earth. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage weave through every story, as Eric, Julie, and Neal grow from ordinary kids into brave protectors of Droon. Abbott’s light, engaging style, paired with fantastical elements like invisibility capes and talking spider-trolls, makes the series a delightful introduction to fantasy for 7- to 10-year-olds.
Why Secrets of Droon Resonates
Secrets of Droon left a lasting mark on children’s literature, offering a gentler alternative to complex fantasies like Tolkien or Rowling. Its accessible storytelling and emphasis on teamwork inspired young readers, with fans on platforms like Reddit recalling their obsession with Keeah’s courage and the series’ magical world. The books’ success spurred online games, quizzes, and even interest from Nickelodeon for a potential TV adaptation, though no series materialized. With over 8 million copies sold by Abbott’s count, Secrets of Droon continues to enchant new generations through libraries and secondhand bookstores.
- Publication Years: 1999–2010
- Number of Books: 44 (36 main series, 8 special editions)
- Awards: American Booksellers Association’s Top 10 Books for Harry Potter Fans
- Author: Tony Abbott, winner of the 2006 Golden Kite Award
Dust off The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet and dive into the magical world of Secrets of Droon! Whether you’re a parent sharing the series with your kids or a nostalgic reader revisiting childhood adventures, this fantasy saga promises a whirlwind of wonder and heart.