Kirby Mellon's tenth year is a kaleidescope of surprises when her family inherits a pink motel in Florida. The guests, -- a magician, an eccentric poodle owner, an artist and two gangsters with a penchant for poodle snatching, furnish a background of mock mystery. And Kirby's therapeutic effect on a ""poor little rich girl"" give this comic adventure a touch of human interest. Written by the author of Caddie Woodlawn and Baby Island, this is a fresh and diverting story with intrigue tailored to the specifications of the pre-teen reader.