Review by csswan -- Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoo...

[Cassandra Keeney]

[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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Concerning children’s literature, R.F Kristi has done it right with the book Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat. Inca, a “Siberian Detective Cat”, is the protagonist of the story. Joined by the rest of Inca & Company—the cats Fromage, Cara, and Monk; a hamster, Charlotte; and a dog, Terrance—Inca goes on a vacation that soon becomes more when a sword is stolen from a museum. Using their resources and detective skills, Inca and her team join to solve a mystery.

Written in a typical diary format, we see Inca’s perspective on the events as they unfold. Themes of teamwork, friendship, and family are covered as the team tries to piece together the puzzle. These themes are ones that children can easily relate to, and it was nice to see how animals were used to explore them. Kristi also uses engaging language while ensuring it is at an appropriate comprehension level for younger readers. While I may not be part of the target demographic, I found that the writing was enough to keep me interested. Kristi also integrates language a child might use, such as “super-duper”, throughout the book. There was also adequate explanation of concepts that may be a bit beyond a reader’s understanding.

I also noticed that several times throughout, there were bullet lists of questions that Inca was asking herself. This was exciting to read, because it really helps to engage the reader. What was going to happen? Kristi presents some options, and the reader gets to predict what they think. It makes for an overall interactive reading experience. While I liked what Kristi wrote, I think I would have preferred more of these instances.

I must commend Jorge Valle on his illustrations. The characters are all simple and adorable, and sillier illustrations are included, such as one of Inca with a mermaid’s tail. These illustrations helped bring the book to life. For me, the illustrations made the story.

Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cay was an exciting read and is great for children. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I would recommend this book for any young reader that is interested in mysteries. I also can see it as a good book for a parent to read with a child, as it can spark a discussion around the questions that Kristi poses throughout. I also feel an adult could enjoy it, but only if they had a proclivity for children’s literature. Otherwise, I would not recommend it, as it is written with children in mind.

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Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat
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Like csswan's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Allyseria]

Thank you for your review! I was interested in the book when it came out in OnlineBookClub and was waiting to see some reviews. It sounds like a good and interesting book for my young nieces to encourage them to read more. I'm going to have to buy it for them when I next visit!

[Ashiyya Tariq]

It is an excellent detective book for kids. What I like the most that it has been written for the protection of wildlife. Thanks for this great review.

[HollandBlue]

Great review! I also read this adorable book and completely agree with your analysis.

[Cassandra Keeney]

It is an excellent detective book for kids. What I like the most that it has been written for the protection of wildlife. Thanks for this great review.

I agree, it was nice to see that there was another purpose to the book. Protecting wildlife is important and minor details were added in to spark an interest while reading.