Mysteries to Grow On

CHILDREN'S

Released: Sept. 1, 2010

THE PUMPKIN MYSTERY

by Carol Wallace, illustrated by Steve Björkman

"Here's hoping for more of Scruffy and Mocha. (Early reader. 6-9)"

Scruffy the cat and Mocha the dog are interested and sometimes involved onlookers as Aden, Leah and their parents prepare and then tend their pumpkin patch with an eye toward Halloween festivities. Read full book review >

Cover art for JOEY FLY, PRIVATE EYE, IN CREEPY CRAWLY CRIME

CHILDREN'S

Released: April 14, 2009

JOEY FLY, PRIVATE EYE, IN CREEPY CRAWLY CRIME

by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Neil Numberman

"An auspicious series kick-off. (Graphic novel. 7 & up)"

What detective wouldn't benefit from being a fly on the wall? Read full book review >

Cover art for WE CAN’T ALL BE RATTLESNAKES

CHILDREN'S

Released: Jan. 1, 2009

WE CAN’T ALL BE RATTLESNAKES

by Patrick Jennings

"Readers will enjoy her snake's-eye view of human foibles and cheer her on her way when a chance for release comes at last. (Fantasy. 10-12)"

Like a Dick King-Smith tale with a bit more bite—and a certain amount of biting—this animal-narrated episode casts a satiric light on human behavior but leaves room for compassion, too. Read full book review >

CHILDREN'S

Released: Oct. 1, 2008

CLEVER DUCK

by Dick King-Smith, illustrated by Nick Bruel

"Bruel's black-and-white drawings highlight the animals' mischievous antics, though it is the hilarious and pretentious boar leader, "Firingclose General Lord Nicholas of Winningshot," who epitomizes the fun in this farm frenzy. (Fantasy. 7-10)"

Damaris the duck lives up to her eponymous epithet in this barnyard adventure, which features, in addition to this resourceful fowl, her canine friend and the farm's supercilious swine. Read full book review >

CHILDREN'S

Released: May 1, 2008

CHICKEN FEATHERS

by Joy Cowley, illustrated by David Elliot

"Not a standout, but expertly done. (Fantasy. 9-11)"

Channeling Dick King-Smith, Cowley offers a warmhearted tale set on a chicken farm featuring a lad with a feathered confidante that talks—though only to him. Read full book review >

Cover art for EMMY AND THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING RAT

CHILDREN'S

Released: Aug. 1, 2007

EMMY AND THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING RAT

by Lynne Jonell, illustrated by Jonathan Bean

"Fun and funny, this fast-paced page turner appropriately begins and ends with the unforgettable Rat in an acrobatic flip-book feature. (Fiction. 9-12)"

Ten-year-old Emmy lived happily with her parents in an apartment above their bookstore until an unexpected inheritance changed their lives. Read full book review >

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS

Mysteries to Grow On