Saxby Smart - Private Detective in The Treasure of Dead Man’s Lane …

Simon Cheshire
Illustrated by R. W. Alley

In The Treasure of Dead Man’s Lane, Saxby Smart requires the help of his friend George “Muddy” Whitehouse, and Isobel “Izzy” Moustique to solve the mystery of the horror house at 13 Deadman’s Lane. The house had been vacant for many years, but had been recently purchased by the parents of a school friend, Jack Wilson. During the renovations a secret scroll was found that claimed a hidden treasure was somewhere in the building. A great deal of history was involved from World War II to Napoleon Bonaparte in solving the mystery of the scroll. The prior owner of the house, Silas Middlewich, built the house in 1837, and appeared to have a reputation of being a very nasty man. In order to solve the mystery, Saxby and his friends had to follow many trails before answers were found. When the truth was discovered, the house Jack’s parent’s bought known as the horror house, became a true historical find. Two other Case Files are included in the book, The Tomb of Death and The Fangs of the Dragon. Each Case File is just as mystifying as the Treasure of Dead Man’s Lane. It should be noted that Saxby Smart is a student and his office is in a tool shed.

In Saxby’s investigations, he includes the reader, as his ‘side-kick’, asking questions throughout creating a rather interactive read. This book was difficult to put down, even for the reviewer to take notes. Mr. Cheshire, the author, has found a primary character and cohorts that are ageless within the middle-grade readers. The black illustrations are right on target for the characters and more so for the pages from Saxby’s notebooks. We can only hope that Cheshire has a third book on the way. In the meantime, grab this and the first book for any bookshelves you may have.

BIBLIO: 2010, Roaring Brook Press, Ages 9 - 12, $15.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Middle-Grade Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-59643-475-2

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 7/8/10

Jamaica is Thankful

Juanita Havill
Illustrated by Anne Sibley O’Brien

Jamaica’s friend Kristin brings a big red shoebox over to Jamaica’s room and Kristin has a secret. Inside the box is a small kitten, Puffy, which Kristin cannot keep. Kristin already has an older cat who does not like Puffy, and she is hoping Jamaica will be able to keep the young kitten. That way, if Jamaica keeps the kitten, Kristin hopes she will still be able to come over and visit with Puffy. Kristin really wants Jamaica to keep Puffy, even though she sees it could be a problem for Jamaica. Even so, Jamaica agrees to hide the kitten in her closet. Therefore, a struggle begins for Jamaica … what she wants to do, and what she knows she should do. Her first problem began when her brother Ossie went into her bedroom and Jamaica had to hide Puffy in her closet. Ossie was very allergic to cat’s fur, and the kitten had been sleeping on his football jersey. From that point, Jamaica realized what she had to do. Kristin and Jamaica talked about the things they should be thankful for and Kristin found a home for Puffy.

The watercolor and pastel illustrations are engaging for the young readers. This book is part of a “Jamaica” series, and is excellent for young readers. The reinforced binding is helpful for public and school libraries.

BIBLIO: 2009, Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Ages 5-8, $16.00
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-618-98231-8

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 12/11/09