OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dr. Marsha and the Case of the Missing Marshmallows and Hotdogs" by Dr. Rachel B. Wellner.]

Milton Marsupia, mayor of Washington, asks his cousin, Dr. Marsha, to come from Australia to investigate some missing hot dogs and marshmallows. It's almost July 4th. What's a Fourth of July cookout without hot dogs and marshmallows? Will Dr. Marsha and her team be able to solve the case and save the day?

Dr. Marsha and the Case of the Missing Hot Dogs and Marshmallows (the title is as it appears on the book cover) by Dr. Rachel B. Wellner is a children's mystery. Entertaining and fun, the book teaches children valuable lessons like teamwork and healthy lifestyles. With a fun cast of animal characters, the story is sure to be a hit with children between the ages of 7 and 10.

Dr. Marsha is a doctor who solves mysteries. Her team consists of Louie Llama and Terence Toad, who is obsessed with food. The characters they meet in Washington have similarly alliterative names, which I found fun.

Each page contains both words and a picture. The drawings are colorful and illustrate the text beautifully. This helps children to stay engaged in the book.

The text, a colorful blue, is a bit small but still readable. I loved that it wasn't the standard black, as I thought this was another great way to engage wandering minds. The vocabulary is appropriate for the age group with nothing too advanced.

For the most part, this is not a rhyming story. However, when Dr. Marsha answers the phone, she uses a cute jingle that comes up several times in varying ways within the story. I can picture children repeating this hook or even making it into a song.

I enjoyed the lessons that the book teaches. For example, Dr. Marsha teaches everyone that a balanced diet is best. Still, she also mentions that treats are okay on special occasions.

While the book was edited well, there were a couple of minor issues that I noticed. When going from Australia to Washington, Dr. Marsha's team flies "Air Kangaroo." They appear to travel inside her pouch, but how does she get across the ocean? Plus, though it mentions them "boarding" in her pouch, the picture is of the inside of an airplane. I found this confusing, and I'm sure children would as well. Also, there's a koala pictured in the opening pages who never seems to actually make an appearance in the story.

In summary, Dr. Marsha and the Case of the Missing Hot Dogs is a fun and engaging story with valuable lessons. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. The issues were minor enough that I didn't think they warranted the removal of a star. I recommend it to families with younger children as well as elementary school teachers.

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Dr. Marsha and the Case of the Missing Marshmallows and Hotdogs
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Seems like a beautiful children's book. Thank you for your beautiful review.

Would make a good read for children's book. Impressive review you have here.

It seems like a lovely book for children. I'm sure kids will love reading about Dr. Marsha, Louie Llama, and Terence Toad. Thank you for sharing your review.

Finally seeing a book about crime detectives. I will definitely, add this book to my shelves. Great review.

Great to see a children's mystery book. Seems like there's some great lessons on healthy food relationships as well.

Chiwelite O wrote: ↑02 Sep 2021, 03:01 Seems like a beautiful children's book. Thank you for your beautiful review.

It was a cute children's story. I recommend it if you have kids. Thanks.

Obioma CM wrote: ↑02 Sep 2021, 04:48 Would make a good read for children's book. Impressive review you have here.

Thanks! It was a fun book for sure. Happy reading!

kperm wrote: ↑02 Sep 2021, 13:20 It seems like a lovely book for children. I'm sure kids will love reading about Dr. Marsha, Louie Llama, and Terence Toad. Thank you for sharing your review.

Yes. I loved how the names alliterated. It was fun to read. Thanks.

collinsogw555 wrote: ↑02 Sep 2021, 15:51 Finally seeing a book about crime detectives. I will definitely, add this book to my shelves. Great review.

It's a good children's book with a small mystery to solve. Thanks.

Gabriella Smith wrote: ↑03 Sep 2021, 02:38 Great to see a children's mystery book. Seems like there's some great lessons on healthy food relationships as well.

Yes. Children can see if they can solve the mystery before Dr. Marsha. There are hints in the story. Thanks so much.

Blue colour font is a nice touch, why have we been stuck with black, Thanks for an entertaining and informative review.

Reader-247 wrote: ↑06 Sep 2021, 07:15 Blue colour font is a nice touch, why have we been stuck with black, Thanks for an entertaining and informative review.

It's little touches like that that can engage a child. Thanks for commenting.

kandscreeley wrote: ↑06 Sep 2021, 07:58

Reader-247 wrote: ↑06 Sep 2021, 07:15 Blue colour font is a nice touch, why have we been stuck with black, Thanks for an entertaining and informative review.

It's little touches like that that can engage a child. Thanks for commenting.

Right, and I do agree when you mention that if a koala is on the cover than it better be included in the story as well, its a bit of a let down

Dr. Marsha seems like an endearing character. I would love to read the jingle she uses. It's nice to know that the author tells the children the importance of a balanced diet and that treats are ok on special occasions. Thanks for the beautiful review.