The tradition of anthropomorphic animals is long and beloved in children’s literature: “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame, “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis, “Frog and Toad” by Arnold Lobel, and so many more. It continues on today in many different forms, but only once in awhile does a book like “Detective Gordon: The First Case” come along with the timeless charm of the great ones.
In an atmospheric forest world, author Ulf Nilsson has created a community of animals that is wild, yet cozily domestic at the same time, not unlike the cast of characters in “The Wind in the Willows.” We meet Detective Gordon, an overweight and aging toad who solves crime as the chief of police. Living a solitary life in the police station with his official stamp and his tins of cakes, the Detective’s quiet winter is rudely interrupted by a crime.
Someone has been stealing nuts from holes all over the forest, and squirrel is upset. Since Detective Gordon only loves to eat cakes and sit by his fire, he’s worried about cracking the case. Luckily, he finds some help along the way from a little mouse. Can they find the thieves before all the nuts are gone?
Illustrated with engaging, full-color illustrations by Gitte Spee and filled with delightful and well-developed characters. Nilsson’s gentle plot and delicate humor make this new beginning chapter book series not only a good read-alone for a first through third grader, but it would be the perfect read-aloud for a young family.
--Andrea W., Headquarters
No comments:
Post a Comment