SIBLING SLEUTHS
The Mystery of Mossy Meadows is an intriguing young detective story. It features two inquisitive children, Rebecca and George, as they try to solve the mystery of Mossy Meadows with a little help from their friends. The entire adventure unfolds using diary entries of both children, creating an insight into their minds that otherwise would have been overlooked. This also gives the plot a humorous side with many mentions of George’s evil smelling farts.
The mystery of Mossy Meadows is aimed at the author’s 7-12-year-old son and it fits perfectly with confident 7-year-olds enjoying a reading challenge or bedtime story. Or as easy reading for the older end of audiences with light toilet humour and childish jokes that readers at any age would find amusing.
Both main characters are strong and believable, partnered with a plot that is exciting and fascinating. The whole adventure is very “Famous Five” meets “Young Sherlock Holmes”. Leonard McQuingQuong perfectly mixes the two ideas creating a fresh, new storyline that would be ideal for a wide range of young readers. Using both genders for main characters makes it an easy multi-sexual story appropriate and absorbing for all genders.
Some parts of the plot are less believable, but this can be overlooked by the age of the target audience. Some issues could be raised by the story, as young children could try to copy Rebecca and George’s ideas and come to serious harm in the process of involving themselves in actual crime.
The vocabulary used throughout has obviously been well thought out in order to meet with the needs of its target audience. There are very few places in the story that could be confusing for young readers. Length is very important for a successful children’s story and the volume of the mystery of Mossy Meadows is accurate for its purpose and audience.
The mystery of Mossy Meadows is a traditional story idea, given a makeover to form a modern mystery adventure. There is not a lot of new material in this particular genre. It’s refreshing for readers to have something traditional but also, in many ways, modern.
Reviewed by Erin Cook (14)
Why not read Part 2 of Rebecca & George’s Detective Casebook: Pollock, the Police and the Prehistoric Pendulum of Power.
Hit the link to discover more about author and talent extraordinaire Leonard McQuingQuong
