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

[JanineShhh]

[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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Inca, the detective cat, is on a holiday with her human mom, her kitty sister Cara, her little kitty brother Fromage, a hamster named Charlotte, and the family dog Terrance. On the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, she befriends a sea turtle and a baby elephant who help her solve a mystery: a valuable sword was stolen from a museum. With teamwork among the animals and a bit of help from the humans, Inca sets out to find the stolen goods and the thieves who took them.

This wholesome, fun children’s book deserves a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. It is a joyful read, even for an adult. With each turn of the page, a new adventure, a new character, or a new illustration awaits to bring a smile to one’s face.

The book is written from the perspective of Inca, the main protagonist, and in the style of a diary with each chapter being a new entry in the diary. The sentences are simple and short enough with the occasional more difficult word that could be an addition to a child’s vocabulary.

Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat is educational in an easy-going way. We learn what a UNESCO World Heritage Site is, and that leopards are relatives of house cats.

There are two instances where the story might get a bit scary for smaller children. The first is when Inca gets lost in the jungle at night and tries to find her way home. The second is when Inca meets Mama Leopard, who seems very angry and dangerous at first. Either situation is resolved rather quickly, though and provides a learning moment for Inca as well as the young reader.

The wonderful illustrations by Jorge Valle should get a special mention: the characters are drawn in a simple, kid-friendly style, and in bright, happy colors. They are just incredibly cute. Inca’s little kitty brother called Fromage who, of course, loves cheese might be my favorite.

Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat is wonderfully inclusive: Inca and her kitty siblings are friends with the dog and the hamster, and befriend a sea turtle and an elephant on their holiday, never once considering their differences. The book teaches children other valuable lessons as well: predators, in this case a snake, are dangerous and deceiving, and you should not listen to them but run away. And first and foremost this: The most difficult tasks can be completed if everyone works together.

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Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat
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