PD McPem’s Agency For Mysterious Mysteries: The Wild Whodunnit, by Anna Battese and Ruth-Mary Smith
Children’s author Anna Battese describes herself as a ‘bookworm, baker, and children’s book maker’. From the minute you read these words, you know you’re in for a lovely ride when you enter into the world of PD McPem and her Agency for Mysterious Mysteries. The latest in this series – The Wild Whodunnit, published by Riveted Press – is a gorgeous book with lovely illustrations by Ruth-Mary Smith. The first installment in this junior fiction series is Case One: The Recorder Racket, the second is Case Two: The Puzzling Pet Parade, the third, which came out earlier this year is Case Three: The Baffling Beach Bandit. Ruth-Mary Smith is an “illustrator specialising in warm, sweet illustrations for children’s picture books, paper goods and pattern designs.”
In this next mystery, PD, otherwise known as Penelope Delores McPem, (but only when she’s in trouble), is supposed to be having a day off from being a detective. Instead, she’s looking forward to a day at the Zoo with her new friend Theodora, who’s lucky to live there with her Aunt Dot. Theodora is quite a new friend. She has a ‘rhino bug circus and a fringe in a sideways Z!’
PD has determined that for her playdate at the zoo, she will be a safari adventurer, not a detective. But when the elephants go missing, along with Aunt Dot, a detective is exactly what is needed. Thankfully Grandpa has packed a ‘Just in Case case’, and soon PD has her trusty magnifying glass, notebook and trilby hat ready to go. But where on earth could the elephants be? They are not exactly easy to hide! It soon becomes clear that Ranger Steve knows something … can PD and Theodora uncover the truth before it’s too late?
This story is sweet, funny, and filled with facts and clues that will keep young readers guessing along with PD, her dog Scooter, and Theodora. When PD turns up at the zoo, ready for her safari day, Theodora quickly tells her that the safari is cancelled, because, ‘Something Very Terrible has happened’ … Together, PD and Scooter are forced to follow Theodora deeper and deeper into the Zoo, uncovering its animals and its mysteries.
Each time a clue seemingly presents itself, PD gets her signature itch beneath her hat, and thinks she has discovered the Something Terrible. But each time, Theodora tells her that no, that’s not it. There seems to be an explanation for everything. Luckily, Grandpa (who’s everyone’s favourite) has packed a “Just-in-Case case”. Armed with all they need to crack the case, PD, Scooter and Theodora continue on their journey through the zoo, seeking the truth about the Something Terrible, which turns out to be three missing elephants and a missing Aunt Dot!
The larger size font and well-spaced text are perfect for junior fiction readers. The lovely black and white illustrations bring the characters to life, and at 57 pages it’s perfect for both younger children who are confident to read on their own, and those who are just taking their first steps into independent reading.
The characters and warm and funny. The friendship between PD and Theodora is very real. The connection between PD and her grandparents, and Theodora and her aunt, are reflective of the security and love between children and their older relatives. As well, Anna creates a very visual experience of the zoo. There are many themes of conservation and animal science, that will make great discussion points for classrooms. There are plenty of laughs and tender moments, and Anna packs a lot into a shorter book.
This is a gorgeous book and highly recommended for ages 6+ and for read-aloud in classrooms.
Helen