Review of Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula
-
- Posts: 34
- Joined: 15 Jul 2022, 05:59
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 28
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-creative-lord.html
- Latest Review: Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer
Review of Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula
R.F. Kristi's diary-style book Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula is about a snoopy cat named Inca. Although this is book eight in the Inca Cat series, it is unnecessary to have read the other volumes to love it. It's a brave choice for a children's book to have the overarching topic of bringing peace to a divided nation. The seven animal characters who work for the Inca Detective Agency are the story's focus. They work on two cases in this book. The first concerns Missy, the owner of the Inca, and a competing chef attempting to destroy a new cheese product. Early on in the novel, the storyline's climax is revealed. The second case's adventure and second climax involve crossing the border from South to North Korea.
To tour Korea and learn about its cultural and historical characteristics, Inca and her pals take flights in airplanes, trains, and trolleys. Children should relate effectively to the tensions and resolutions because dogs and cats are well-developed characters with distinct personalities. In one scene, a dog uses his teeth to remove a thorn from a cat's paw before carrying the cat to safety on his back. The Korean landscape is detailed and vivid. The journey takes place in the spring, and blossoming cherry trees are frequently noted.
In addition to the detailed words, images also help to characterize the animals and enhance the attractiveness of the scenery in the book. Jorge Valle, the illustrator, gives the cats human traits and highlights their feelings through changes in their eyes and mouths. Valle begins each diary page with one of 45 pictures, which includes an Inca image. One of the things that makes the novel enjoyable is the anticipation of how the Inca will be depicted. Every page features her either reading or writing in her diary. She even tried writing with a feather pen at one point.
Because of the creative text layout, which double-spaces each passage and occasionally includes two or three brief phrases, this book is ideal for younger readers. The many pages that turn in this layout lengthen the focus and concentration.
This novel would be ideal for kids starting to read chapter novels because of how straightforward the formatting and terminology are (around 3rd grade). The subtle depiction of ethnic diversity and tolerance in this novel is what I find most appealing. The notion that breaking the law is permissible when it serves a noble purpose was my least preferred aspect. Since there were no grammatical mistakes, I have no reason to rate it less than four out of four stars.
While younger kids can enjoy Kristi's book as a solo reader, it also makes a fantastic choice for a co-reading activity because of the educational resources. While appreciating the tale and Valle's paintings, parents can talk to their kids about geography, politics, ethics, and even cat breeds.
******
Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon