RSS

Stop, Thief! by Heather Tekavec Book Review

Stop, Thief! by Heather Tekavec
Illustrations by Pierre Pratt
Publishers: Kids Can Press
Release Date: August 1, 2014

Someone is stealing the farmer's fruits and vegetables. Not to worry, Max will catch the thief. After spying a tiny blue bug on a carrot, Max gives chase to the culprit. Along the way he meets other animals who try to help him, although it is very obvious that the real thieves are right under Max's nose.

I always thought that I was a rather unobservant person, but I believe the most oblivious award can now be handed to Max. Kids will like this fun book where they get to be *that* much smarter than the main character. That element alone makes this book work so well, because kids absolutely love feeling like they are smart and figuring out the mystery before the main character does. Perhaps the best "twist" is that the thief is never caught, which only adds to that satisfying mystery. There is also the element of determination, even if Max never finds the thief, that only shows his dedication. Pierre Pratt's illustrations, like his other books, are colorful and full of movement. With all the different animals and the built-in audience participation, I can see this book working very well in a classroom or story-time setting.

0 comments: