The Vanishing Scarecrow — Phyllis A. Whitney

Joan had thought that it would be wonderful to live on Rainbow Island, the fantastic children's amusement park her uncle had built. When she and her mother move there Joan is sure she will be a new person among the bright, multicolored structures of the fairytale village. But she soon sees that some real danger threatens the serenity of the make-believe world.

How could the evil-looking dummy witch in the Witch's Lair suddenly come to life? Who or what is the scarecrow that races through the streets of Rainbow Town at night? Why does the voice echoing in the Wizard's Fortress make Joan want to cry? Why do the residents of Rainbow Town, the beautiful storybook park, seem so frightened and angry?

Animosity and resentment meet Joan everywhere. The manager, Mr. Riddell, and his strange daughter, Sheri, are unfriendly, to say the least. Mrs. Riddell is terrified of something. Peter and Kent, sons of the woman who runs the gift shop, are curt and angry. When Joan explores the exhibition buildings, Emery Holt, the handyman, tells her to mind her own business.

But the secret message concealed in the carved tiger says that the evil abroad in Rainbow Town is her business. When someone locks her in the dark grotto of the Dragon's Cave and the dreamlike world of Rainbow Town becomes a nightmare, she knows she must act swiftly!

Before the mystery unravels to its astonishing climax and happiness returns to Rainbow Town, Joan the dreamer collides with reality in the very place where it is hardest to tell fantasy from fact.