Decodable Reader 28 Uncle Mycroft Written by Andy Basset Illustrated by Sarah Shwall Phonics Skill Common syllables -tion, -sion, -ture adventure potion direction questions furniture station mansion vacation Uncle Mycroft had invited Brad and his sister Ella to spend a week with him. Brad and Ella had never met Uncle Mycroft, and they had lots of questions. Why did he ask to see them now? What was he like? How did he earn his living? “My brother Mycroft is an inventor,” Dad explained. “I speak to him by phone all the time, but I haven’t seen him for twenty years.” 98 This would be their first vacation without Mom and Dad. They could not get away from work so Ella and Brad traveled alone by bus. They got a big surprise when they saw Uncle Mycroft’s house. His house was an old mansion surrounded by huge trees. Brad sighed, and Ella took a deep breath and rang the bell. 99 The door creaked open, but no one was in sight. All Brad and Ella saw was a room full of dusty furniture. “I’m over here, children,” said a deep voice. Brad and Ella looked in the direction of the voice. They saw an empty armchair. “Don’t be alarmed,” said the voice. “You can’t see me because I’m invisible!” 100 So that was why no one had seen Uncle Mycroft for twenty years! A long time ago he had invented a potion that made a person invisible. The potion worked perfectly. But Uncle Mycroft had not found a way to reverse it. He wanted Brad and Ella to buy the things he needed for more tests. 101 All that week Brad and Ella went shopping for Uncle Mycroft. And all that week he tested his new potion. At last it was ready. Uncle Mycroft took a large spoonful. Nothing happened. Suddenly Brad and Ella heard a small voice. “It worked—well, sort of.” 102 Brad and Ella gasped. Where was Uncle Mycroft this time? “Look down, kids,” called a cheerful voice. They looked down and there was Uncle Mycroft. Yes, they could see him now. But he was just six inches tall. “Not perfect, but a good start,” said