Chapter One

I like facts. I like hearing facts, I like watching TV shows with facts in them, I like fact websites, and I enjoy reading facts on the backs of cereal boxes, even though those ones are usually pretty well-known. Anytime I see the big cheerful words DID YOU KNOW . . .? on a box of cereal I reckon I probably do know whatever they're about to ask.

For example:

Did you know that snakes don't have eyelids?

Yes, I did.

Did you know that crocodiles have the strongest bite of any animal in the word?

Of course.

Did you know that the ocean's tides happen because of the moon's gravity?

Who doesn't?

Of course, books are probably the best places to find facts. I think maybe I like the nonfiction section of the library more than the fiction section. Librarian Fran the teacher librarian knows this. She's always giving me new books she buys for that part of the library. She even gives them to me before she shows them to Ethan, which he hates, since he thinks that he's the only person in the school who reads.

Sometimes Librarian Fran lets me borrow books from the reference section, even though everyone above fourth grade knows that no one gets to take books home from the reference section. Ever!

Except me. That's why I think I might be Librarian Fran's favourite. But don't tell anyone. And definitely don't tell Ethan.

On Tuesday, our class went over to the library for our weekly library period.

'Lennie Henjak,' Librarian Fran said from behind the desk as I trailed into the library with all the others. 'Lennie Henjak, I need to talk to you.'

'Ooo!' crowed Boaz. 'Lennie's in trouble!'

But I knew I wasn't really in trouble. This has happened quite a few times before.

I went around the back of the main library desk, where most kids aren't allowed.

Librarian Fran lowered her voice. 'Lennie, I've got something for you. Here – it was delivered today.' Reaching under the desk, she pulled out a thick, brightly coloured, hard-covered book. Its title was in large, raised gold letters: Mr McHenry's Big Book of Incredible Facts.

'Hmm, interesting . . .' I said.

'Yes. I thought you might like to borrow it,' she said. 'You know, before I put it into general circulation.'

'You thought right,' I answered.

'Great. Because I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.'

I glanced up. Ethan was watching me from the end of the circulation desk. He wasn't happy.

'Thank you, Librarian Fr– Thank you, Miss Reardon,' I said. 'How long can I borrow it for?'

'Let's say a week,' she replied. 'I haven't even entered it into the system yet.'

'You haven't even entered it into the system yet?' I said, making sure my voice was loud enough for Ethan to hear. 'And you're still letting me borrow it? Wow! Thank you, Miss!'

'You're welcome. Just don't forget to bring it back.'

'I won't,' I said, hugging the book close.

'Lennie!' Mr Johnson called from the other end of the library. 'We're waiting for you.' Then he sneezed and blew his nose.

'Enjoy,' Librarian Fran said with a wink.

I hurried over to the rest of the class, which was sitting on the floor in front of the smart board. 'What's that?' Jack whispered, nodding at the book.

I tilted it so he could see the cover.

'Urgh,' he said. 'A book . . .'

'I think you might like this one.'

He snorted. 'I doubt it.'