sean67's review against another edition
3.0
Book one of this light mystery series with heavy doses of both humour and puzzles - it seems to borrow the puzzle ideas from Dubosarsky's word spy series which were non-fiction. An entertaining read no doubt, if quite brief, and very light.
mandi_m's review against another edition
4.0
Miss 8 and I enjoyed reading this together and working out the puzzles - although I think there was one that I'm still not sure I got!
A very cute story that will appeal to your bright young things :)
A very cute story that will appeal to your bright young things :)
waywardfancy's review
The case IS perplexing! It really DOES have cryptic clues! And best of all - GUINEA PIGS!
The book is engaging on many levels. Set in Buenos Aires the book has a lovely spattering of Spanish words with a glossary at the back. Ursula Dubosarsky infuses the story with a strong back story to the characters Coco, The chief of police and his logic loving cousin Alberta. This teamed with delicate and whimsical Terry Denton illustrations means there is much for the children to nibble and spy and read and puzzle over .
Older readers will enjoy the puns and puzzles. Reluctant readers will be sucked in by the humorous illustrations and challenge of the mystery! There are codes, mazes and spoonerisms to enjoy. It's an active book - read, turn to the glossary, look, hold the book up to the mirror, think.
Best of all there is a whole series of these books!
The book is engaging on many levels. Set in Buenos Aires the book has a lovely spattering of Spanish words with a glossary at the back. Ursula Dubosarsky infuses the story with a strong back story to the characters Coco, The chief of police and his logic loving cousin Alberta. This teamed with delicate and whimsical Terry Denton illustrations means there is much for the children to nibble and spy and read and puzzle over .
Older readers will enjoy the puns and puzzles. Reluctant readers will be sucked in by the humorous illustrations and challenge of the mystery! There are codes, mazes and spoonerisms to enjoy. It's an active book - read, turn to the glossary, look, hold the book up to the mirror, think.
Best of all there is a whole series of these books!
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