 As stated in the preface , there is a code hidden in the paintings throughout the book . This was an idea of Brett <unk> and Balliett 's editor , Tracy Mack . The code involves images of pentominoes and frogs , which is a recurring theme in the book . To <unk> the code , one must count the number of frogs in every other illustration , as well as find the hidden <unk> . Once these facts are collected , you are to use the same code presented in the story that Calder and Tommy use in their letters in the book . For example , the first code in the book is V : 2 @.@ this means T when <unk> with Calder and Tommy 's <unk> . When the message is <unk> , it spells out " The Lady Lives " . 
