Tag Archives: mystery

May 16, 2024 · 7:00 am

Doggie Detectives (The Everyday Adventures of Papa & Paws Book 8) by Papa Paws (Book Review)

Today, Molly Paws and her sisters discover another dog toy is missing. Their toy box is empty, so they put on their detective hats and work together to find clues to solve the mystery. Will they ever see their toys again? Will they find out who did this?

Children’s picture book about a sweet little doggie named Molly Paws and her family.

  • Created by a dog dad, every story is based on a real-life event.
  • Toddlers and preschoolers ages 0-5(ish) will enjoy the cute illustrations of the dogs.
  • Moms, dads, and grandparents will love reading the heartwarming stories.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Doggie Detectives (The Everyday Adventures of Papa and Paws) is based on an actual event, which makes this story more relatable in the eyes of young readers. Children will think of their canine companions and be eager to help solve the mystery of the missing toys! 

Toys bring hours of joy and comfort to young children. They grow incredibly attached to certain ones, and to lose one breaks their hearts. Molly Paws and her sisters did not lose just one toy; they lost FIVE in a week. This news is devastating; they must find them. I adored the doggies wearing detective hats illustrations, and so will kids. And who can resist a dog with a heart-shaped nose? No one!  

Molly Paws and her sisters work together to sniff out clues. The clues were not hard to uncover, so children as young as two could join the investigation. Papa Paws illustrated five missing toys. Adding a suspect list would’ve been a nice touch. It would help young minds wager a guess who snatched the missing toys. As you continue reading, ask your young listener who they think stole the toys. Ask if they agree with one dog’s suspicion that Mama the butler did it. 

I’m not an expert on dog breeds, so I can’t pinpoint which breed made which comments in the story. But I agree with the tiny dog with the pink bow that I’m surprised they didn’t question any kitty cats.

Without disclosing who did it, I will say the culprit learned a valuable lesson after they were found with the loot— It is more fun to share and play with friends.

Doggie Detectives (The Everyday Adventures of Papa and Paws) is a fun, interactive storybook with charming illustrations. I recommend sharing the story with children two years and older. 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

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Meet the Author 

Nicholas J. Nawroth is Papa Paws. He is a dog lover and artist. At age 9, he created his first comic book featuring his dog, Woody, and has been drawing ever since. He has never lost touch with his childlike wonder and love of dogs, which he shares in his stories. In his free time, he enjoys snuggling up on the couch with the family to watch movies.

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April 30, 2024 · 7:00 am

Sylvia Locke and the Three Bears (Tairy Fails Book 1) by David Horn (Book Review)

RED ALERT FOR FAIRY TALE LAND: Sylvia Locke is out and ready to cause mischief.

Once upon a time in Fairy Tale Land, there lived a very bad girl indeed. Sylvia Locke may have been abandoned by her adventuring parents but that’s no excuse for being mean to her loving grandparents, rude to everyone at school, and even bullying rare magical creatures. Right?

One day, when out on a break-and-enter job at the Bear family’s house, Sylvia happens upon a magical mirror that turns out to be more than she bargained for. Could even a kid like Sylvia find a friend? Could some warm and fuzzies change her heart?

The first book in Tairy Fails, a modern fractured fairy tale humor series that will have elementary school kids and early chapter book readers screaming with laughter.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a well-known fairytale. Sylvia Locke and the Three Bears have some of the same characters, and similar moments play out, but this story is far more entertaining than the classic. Sylvia never claims to be a sweet, mild-mannered child. Everyone in Farmington would agree with her assessment, too. Sylvia loves having the loudest voice in the room, is quite mischievous, and enjoys bending the rules. She also has a habit of putting her wants and needs before others. It’s her need for a particular brand of sugary cereal that sets in motion a series of comedic events. 

Sylvia’s sweet tooth and rumbling belly lead her to the neighbor’s house, the famous little bears. As Sylvia waits for her neighbors to leave, she overhears them discussing Goldilocks and how they moved to this village because of that person. This mysterious girl was why the bears moved to the town and installed the security system. Kids will laugh when they see the security measures in action. 

Sylvia gets more than she bargained for when she enters through a window. She also realizes she is not alone in the house. Without spilling too much of the comedic moments, I will talk briefly about the bear in the magic mirror. Unlike the magic mirror person from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the magic mirror bear brings the funny. I cackled when he tried to kick Sylvia back after she kicked his frame. His ghostly antics were a hoot, too. If the text doesn’t make you chuckle, the hilarious illustrations will. Especially the one where Sylvia tests mirror bear’s I’m unbreakable theory. BTW: He is not really unbreakable, but I’ll keep his kryptonite a secret. He also has a real name, but you’ll need to read this comical fairytale to discover what it is. 

As I stated above, Sylvia’s journey does have some semblance to Goldilocks’s time in the bears’ previous home. Silver streak-haired Sylvia does test things, looking for what screams just right. Did Sylvia escape the house before the family returns, or does she get caught like Goldilocks? Did she ever eat her Cookie Crunchies? Read the book and find out! 

The recommended reading age is 6-10. While that is a great age range, I would even introduce the story to pre-k students. The story is simple to understand, so they should be able to follow the plot and find the drawings funny. Everyone will enjoy watching Sylvia get into sticky situations, watching her and the mirror bear interact, and the surprise introduction of the ninja. Wait until you see the ninja sketch! It’s hilarious! 

The story ends by answering a burning question that puzzled Sylvia, her grandparents, and the whole town: What happened to Sylvia’s parents? I’ll be on the lookout for book two in the Tairy Fails series, and I know once your family and class read this story, they will be, too.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤
(Deserves more than five hearts!)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

David Horn lives in New Jersey with his wife, two daughters, and a funny dog named Trixie. He is the author of the popular Eudora Space Kid early reader humorous sci-fi chapter book series. He enjoys making kids laugh.

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November 30, 2023 · 7:00 am

Kaida Brightscales and the Rare Pollinators: Beehive Secrets 2 by Xanda Monteiro (Book Spotlight)

NEW EDITION! 

Step into a world filled with wonder and enchantment, where a young dragon’s unquenchable curiosity meets a promise that must be kept.

The meadow, once a vibrant haven of buzzing life, is now facing a new threat. Kaida and Bella return to their beloved meadow, only to discover a troubling silence—the bees have vanished. As they embark on a quest to uncover the mystery, they stumble upon distressing events. A farmer’s actions threaten their meadow’s delicate ecosystem; hedges, home to the Carder Bees, are being cut down, leaving our bee friends homeless and vulnerable.

Bella and Kaida have made a promise to help their buzzing friends and are set on a path fraught with challenges—trampled hives, pesticide exposure, and relentless destruction.

United by a common goal, can our colorful friends find a miraculous solution to save the bees?

Kaida Brightscales and the Rare Pollinators is the second book in the Beehive Secrets series for children aged 4-6. If you or your child like vivid and beautiful illustrations, fun ways to learn about nature, and making new friends, then you’ll love Xanda Monteiro’s tale of teamwork towards harmony.

Get your copy of Kaida Brightscales and the Rare Pollinators today, and join the quest to protect the meadow and make a difference in the world!

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Meet the Author

Xanda’s story is one of a lifelong explorer, born in Africa with a sense of adventure that took her far and wide. She spent countless hours getting her clothes ripped in tree branches and her knees scratched, but the magic of discovering new places made it all worth it. 

As she grew older, Xanda’s curiosity led her to chase eclipses and capture the perfect shot with her camera. Her passion for nature and fascination with bees inspired her to write a series of books for children about their struggles and possible solutions. 

When she’s not writing, Xanda can be found practising Qi Gong and meditation to deepen her understanding of the world and herself. She loves spending time with friends from all over the world and is always seeking out new experiences and adventures. 

Xanda’s African roots instilled in her a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and the wonder that can be found in everyday moments. She believes that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and that we can do so without causing harm to other beings. 

If you’re looking for a guide to help you explore the wonders of the world, Xanda is the perfect companion. With her infectious enthusiasm and boundless curiosity, she will show you the beauty in even the most ordinary things. So come along and let’s discover the magic together – just watch out for those tree branches and knee scratches! 

Author Website
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October 30, 2023 · 7:00 am

Detective Buster Cuffs: Catching the Treat Snatcher by Liana Somerset (Book Review)

Join Detective Buster Cuffs on a thrilling adventure as he faces his most challenging case yet in ‘Catching the Treat Snatcher’.

When the doggy treats mysteriously vanish in Pawchester, the clever canine detective sets out to unravel the puzzling crime. With his keen senses and tenacious spirit, Buster follows clues, questions suspects, and navigates hidden tunnels to uncover the truth. Will he be able to solve the mystery and restore peace to the town? Find out in this delightful tale of friendship, redemption, and the joy of sharing treats.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Detective Buster Cuffs uses his keen sense of smell, spectacular doggie intuition, and unbeatable observation skills to keep everyone in the small town of Pawchester safe. No case was too big or small for the dapper-looking dog dressed to the nines in an old-fashioned detective attire: suit, tie, and fedora. Today’s investigation leads him on the hunt for the doggy treat bandit. Detective Buster Cuffs takes readers with him as he sniffs out clues in the park, along the shore, and underwater. 

When Buster discovers paw prints, it sends him on the hunt for Trouble Whisker, a wide-eyed, black cat with a sweet tooth. Did the feline nab the canine’s yummy treats, or was the real culprit still on the loose? That’s a question for readers to solve as they work the case with Buster.

Detective Buster Cuffs: Catching the Treat Snatcher is a fun, interactive storybook with stupendous illustrations and unforgettable character names: Nutty Rascal, Inspector Frosty Bones, Gully Peeper, Flair White, and the ones already mentioned. I adored Trouble Whisker’s expressive face as they were caught with their scrumptious snacks. Inspector Frosty Bones was a handsome pooch in his dark blue trench coat and matching fedora. Gully Peeper stole the show with their adorable head tilt and smile. Nutty Rascal was also cute in his plaid shirt. 

Join Detective Buster Cuffs on a thrilling adventure as he sifts through clues to discover who stole the puppies’ treats. And stick around after the case’s conclusion for bonus material: a competition for all aspiring detectives with rules and three puzzle questions. Once your child figures out the puzzles and submits their answers (direct link or email), they will automatically be entered into the Detective Buster Cuffs’ Club with the chance to receive a free Top Secret Detective Kit. What a fantastic prize and incentive to carry on their sleuthing skills! Good luck to all that enter!

Detective Buster Cuffs: Catching the Treat Snatcher’s recommended reading age is 4-8.

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

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Meet the Author

Liana recently embarked on an exciting new journey as a writer, weaving imaginative tales that captivate young hearts. Her stories reflect her deep appreciation for the imaginative world of children. Liana is based in the UK and currently working on her new Detective Buster Cuffs series.

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September 11, 2023 · 7:00 am

The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane by D.L Richards (Book Review)

The town of Dolton, surely voted the country’s most mundane. The townsfolk herded about their days, lives cemented in tradition and a rigid social hierarchy – in which the top tier could be defined in a word: ostentatious. Their importance did not permit the acknowledgement of plebeians, who they generally agreed were more animal than civilised. Until the arrival of Mr Denton, that is. His barbaric display at the Dolton Women’s Club ignites Miss Jane’s long-dormant rebellious spirit – while utterly humiliating the avaricious widow Ms Greer.

Will his questionable behaviour lead to an uprising – or leave Dolton devastated.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane would make an excellent bedtime story. Why, you may ask? Well, sadly, it had me yawning and ready for a nap. There were moments when readers might chuckle, such as when Mr Adams grabbed and lifted Miss Jane’s foot without permission, and she smacked him. Intelligent men know it’s never wise to touch a lady without explicit permission. In years past, it was imperative one stay in their social class lane. He acted without thought and was too forward, cueing the two slaps heard around the manor. People might smirk at Mr Adam’s cavalier attitude towards a bank robbery or his attempts at charming Miss Jane. He was quite the scoundrel.

The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane did have an unexpected murder mystery, but by the time we got to it, I frankly didn’t care who killed the victim (name withheld on purpose) and why. The jailhouse visit did capture my interest, delivering quite eye-opening revelations by more than one person. For those mic-drop confessions, this story salvaged itself. They almost made me forget the story’s grammar mistakes. 

The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane does precisly what its summary promises; it presents a mysterious and unconventional stranger who strolls into town and disrupts the rigid and boring social order. While I was expecting a torrid love affair from two members of opposing social classes, what I got instead was better. Readers will be stunned and speechless by the ending. It was so juicy, came out of left field, and almost tempted me into rereading it. 

Even though this historical novelette didn’t wow me, DL Richards (the author) did a fantastic job delivering a twist that made me stop and say, “Well, I didn’t see that coming.” 

The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane is under 50 pages, perfect for those who want a quick read during their lunch break or tea time. 


Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

Author Reedsy Link

 

 

 

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