Sherlock Chick's First Case

Sherlock Chick's First Case. Robert M. Quackenbush. 1986/2019. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Sherlock Chick's first case began on the day he was born. At once, Emma Hen and Harvey Rooster knew that he was special. With that, his proud parents named him Sherlock. His first words were, "Are you in need of a detective?"

Premise/plot: Sherlock Chick tackles his first case in this newly republished picture book by Robert Quackenbush. Someone has taken the CORN?!?! Can Sherlock follow the clues and solve the mystery?!

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. It was super fun. I loved the problem-solving at the end of the book. It was a hoot.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10


© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Texas Trail to Calamity

Texas Trail to Calamity: A Miss Mallard Mystery. Robert M. Quackenbush. 1986/2018. Simon & Schuster. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Miss Mallard, the world-famous ducktective, was on vacation at a dude ranch in Texas.

Premise/plot: Miss Mallard is vacationing in Texas this time; she sure does LOVE to travel, doesn't she?! When a horse-riding accident leaves her stranded in the prairie, Miss Mallard takes refuge with a family living in an old house. It turns out this family is descended from one of the first duck families to settle in Texas. There is even a celebration the next day at the Alamo to recognize the first THREE HUNDRED (duck) families. But all is not as it seems, someone is out to steal an important document. Will Miss Mallard find out WHO wants to sabotage the event?

My thoughts: I liked this one. Quackenbush has created an interesting world peopled entirely by ducks. I'm not sure it does the real Texas justice--but I'm willing to overlook that I suppose. I prefer other books in the series to this one. But it was fun to imagine how different history would play out if ducks ruled the world. But one thing we know--they'd be crimes to solve. 

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers