Subtitle: PD McPem's Agency for Mysterious Mysteries
By: Anna Battese
Illustrated by: Ruth-Mary Smith
Genre: YFCF - Crime & mystery fiction
Published by: Yellow Brick Books
Published: 1 May 2022
ISBN: 9780645218084

Description

PD (Penelope Delores, when she’s in trouble) is enjoying an afternoon with her grandparents, when a most terrible thing happens… her beloved recorder disappears! In the garage, PD finds her grandpa’s old trilby coat and decides to start her own Detective Agency. Can she solve the mysterious disappearance of her new instrument?


This engaging story incorporates representations of multi-generation families and single-parent households. It is written by debut author Anna Battese, with charming black and white illustrations by Ruth-Mary Smith. The storyline is simple and accessible to the beginning reader audience. The detective/mystery genre has proven to be popular with younger readers, teaching them puzzle solving and pattern-finding skills, as well as playing into their innate desires to “sleuth.”


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Review

This is a wonderful early chapter book for emerging readers.


Penelope Delores (only when she is in trouble), or PD, loves spending time with her Grandparents. She is thrilled to show them her ability on her new recorder when she visits.


But when her recorder disappears, PD and Grandpa must engage in some detective work to solve the mystery.


This is lovely book for emerging readers, and a great introduction to the mystery and detective genre. A great for book to honing problem solving skills, that also highlights the enjoyment PD gets from spending time with her grandparents.


Reviewed by Rob