The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake

 

Title: The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake

Author: Robin Newman

Illustrator: Deborah Zemke

Publisher: Creston Books

Year: 2015

ISBN: 978-1-939547-17-0

Summary: Detective Wilcox, policemouse is on a case. Miss Rabbit called in a missing carrot cake. Investigating with Captain Griswold, Detective Wilcox questions Miss Rabbit, Fowler the Owl, Porcini the Pig, and Hot Dog the dog. Everyone seems to have an alibi so Detective Wilcox comes up with a new plan. Using a second carrot cake as bait and two video cameras, they wait until the thief makes his (or her) appearance. In the end, Miss Rabbit cannot believe who the thief is… it’s herself! She ate both cakes while sleepwalking. With the case solved, all the farm friends gather together to eat yet another carrot cake.

Literary Merit: Written in true mystery style with a detective voice and first person narrative.

Kid Appeal: From the very beginning readers are presented with enough clues to figure out who the thief is in the story, making it fun to read as the rest of the animals try to solve the mystery.

Disclaimer: This book was nominated for the 2015 CYBILS Award in the Early Chapter Book category. This review is shared as part of the Round One Judging. It is solely my own opinion and not influenced by any other parties.