Review by GabbieSmith -- Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a...

[GabbieSmith]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat" by R.F. Kristi.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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A Siberian Kitty named Inca and her family take a vacation from the colder London to the warmer climate of Sri Lanka. A Stolen artifact spikes the cat detective’s interest and a new adventure ensues. Meeting a baby elephant and a sea turtle along with some of her not-so-distant leopard cousins she explores the jungle and beach and gains clues. Can this cat detective save the treasure of the island with a new team? Will they survive the jungles of Sri Lanka? Learn more as you read this story with your children and learn some facts about the Island of Sri Lanka.

While reading this story I liked the creative way the author used a diary format. This can help kids understand the story and the timeline of events while they take the perspective of the protagonist. I loved the educational aspect of the story learning about the Sri Lankan Island. Children can find the descriptiveness of the story intriguing. The liked that in the first chapter the author gives some geography as to where Sri Lanka is located. “Smack-dab in the middle of India and Southeast Asia. Parents can easily find it on a globe or a map and show/educate the kids. I didn’t really like the lack of actual facts. The author could have added more chapters just about the historical aspects of the island. The author stated in the first chapter “Sri Lanka boasted more than two thousand years of culture and had at least eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites all crammed onto this one small island.” It would be nice if the author explained the Sites on the Island and possibly talk about some of the traditions they have on the island. Every place has their own unique culture and this could be used to educate children and some parents about a culture outside of their own knowledge.

My actual rating would be 3.5/4. I would knock half a point off only because of the lack of Culture and the world heritage sites. I know of many children that would benefit from it. Other than that small issue everything else I loved. Because of that, on the site, I will give it a 4 out of 4 stars since you have to use a whole number.

After reading the story, I felt like I would recommend this to any parent to read with their kids. This can be great for homeschooling and even some extra studying outside of school. I would recommend this book to help children to learn to read as it is not too difficult. There are a few words that will need explaining from a parent or a teacher, but it is a great way for kids to learn new vocabulary that they can readily use in their everyday conversations. Most kids will be able to answer simple questions about the book to anyone that asks them.

Overall my official rating would be 4.5/5. The diary format will make it easy for kids to follow along with the chronological actions of the protagonist. The could have explained about the sites and some of the traditions of the culture of Sri Lanka. There are a few words that will need explaining to children. I recommend this to any parent or teacher to read with kids and can be great for those homeschooling parents that want a few extra materials. Overall this and cute and educational book for children of all ages.

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Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat
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