Book Review: Ellie and Ace: The Case of The Bed Time Bandit.

Meet Ellie and Ace!

Soon to be…


Nearly…


Just about…


World-famous detectives!


Well, almost.


Any day now, if they solve enough cases.


And good news! They are on a case now. Someone is causing trouble all over their small town of Huckleberry Springs. Each night, the troublemaker strikes – breaking into houses, spilling garbage, and stealing toys. Nobody knows who the culprit is, but everyone blames someone else. Ellie and Ace have to solve the mystery fast – before their neighbors go to war.



My Review:
I can see this being a fun story for early readers. I have always adored books with child and animal detectives growing up so this is definitely for children who love pets and mysteries.

The story follows Ellie and her pet dog Ace as they try to uncover the mystery of who is behind the tipping of trash cans, theft, and other messes around the neighborhood. Ellie and Ace decide to set a trap to flush out the culprit. They are mighty surprised when they catch the thief red-handed or, all tied up! (pun intended so read the book :D)

With short chapters and easy to read text, children between the ages 6-8 who enjoy mysteries and animal antics may find this a fun read.

Recommended Picture Book: Mr. Squirrel and the Moon by Sebastian Meschenmoser

Title:  Mr. Squirrel and the Moon

Author: Sebastian Meschenmoser

Illustrator: Sebastian Meschenmoser

Publisher: North South Publisher Inc, January 1, 2015

Age: 4 - 8

Topic: Moon, Woodland animals, Problem solving, Teamwork, Humor

Opening: One morning Mr. Squirrel woke up because the moon had fallen onto his tree.

Summary: When Mr. Squirrel awakens to find that the moon has landed on his tree, he frantically tries to get rid of it before someone suspects him of stealing it and puts him in jail. But when he rolls the moon off of his tree, it's gets stuck on Mrs. Hedgehog's bristles and when the billy-goat arrives and butts it with his horns . . . Will the moon ever be the same again?

Resources:
A few extended learning activities could include learning about the moon and moon phases as you see at least three of them in the book.

Learn about squirrels, their habitat, what they really like to eat and enjoy some squirrel crafts here and here.

Have children suggest ways the animals could put the moon back in the sky

Try out this adult-supervised cheese recipe: Paneer cheese

My Review:
What would you do if the moon landed on your doorstep or just outside your window?
This was a really cute story. A squirrel is awakened when what he thinks is the moon crashes onto his tree. He frantically tries to get rid of it so that he is not suspected to be the thief. What ensues next are hilarious ways other animals in the woods get involved and how they eventually send the "moon" back to where it belongs. I enjoyed the very engaging artwork and the humorous antics of the different animals! Children learn basic teamwork and problem solving skills following the misadventures of Mr. Squirrel and his woodland neighbors.

****
Disclaimer: I received an egalley of this book from the publisher for my honest review. The book will be published in January of 2015.