(Inspector Flytrap #1)
Written by Tom Angleberger, illustrated by Cece Bell
My rating: ★★★
ISBN: 978-1419709654
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Date of publication: August 2, 2016
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Mystery, humor
Format: library ebook
Themes: mysteries, detective work, humor, animals, Venus Flytrap
Inspector Flytrap (no, don't call him Mr. Flytrap) of Inspector Flytrap Detective Agency, along with his goat assistant Nina, are only concerned with solving BIG DEAL mysteries. No, this venus flytrap does not care to find a missing pickle paperweight, but will take on the mysterious blob on a Da Vinci painting, a giant stinky shoe, a kidnapped rose, and other such cases. He's confident he can solve them, even if Nina likes to eat everything, including the evidence.
A venus flytrap detective, who gets around on a skateboard pushed by his goat assistant and discovers things like Da Vinci snot...yeah, it's completely nonsensical. Which is why it's also completely hilarious and I can tell kids will love it. Is this my preferred reading? No. But Angleberger and Bell, the dream team, can totally pull it off. His writing is carefree and fun, while her illustrations support the story quite beautifully.
With simple text and illustrations on nearly every page, this is a great beginning chapter book. Plus, the silliness and interspersed comics breaks make it a surefire winner with those who may be more reluctant about reading. The flytrap and goat are very aware that they're a plant and goat, and thus aware of their limitations. Therefore, the way they work around these AND work to solve weird mysteries makes for an engaging, humorous story. While I don't love snot or stinky shoes or sarcastic goats, I would still recommend this to the right kid. This is right up there with Captain Underpants and the like.
Find it at your library or on Amazon
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