Simon and Chester: Super Detectives! Written and illustrated by Cale Atkinson. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2021. $16.99 ages 7 and up

 

"What's with the mousetrap?

Pretend it's a magnifying glass. 
I just need to find the full outfit.

I thought you didn't want to 
dress up? 

It's not dressing up, Chester! 
It's a uniform.

AHA!"

Young readers may be lucky enough to have met Sir Simon Spookington and Chester in their first adventure a few years ago. If so, they will be happy to meet up with them again. Their relationship remains the same ... each chitchatting with the other as the story moves forward.   

Simon is busy at his writing; Chester is busy at interrupting. Chester is bored, and can't take it anymore. Checking out the boxes in the attic provides a distraction. When he finds an 'old smelly hat', a 'broken clock', and a 'mousetrap', Simon is not impressed. That is, until he gets a gander at the hat. He loves it immediately and sets them on the path to becoming detectives. They'll be like Holmes and Watson! They set up their office in the attic, and await their first case. Their personality differences are evident. Simon provides all the drama, while Chester is the voice of reason. 

Hearing a series of weird sounds coming from the kitchen, the two leave the office in search of the noisemaker. They find a 'mysterious pug' eating cereal, and set about creating a case to be solved. 

"Not talking, eh? 
I see what's going on here. 
You may have everyone else 
fooled, pug. 
But I know a disguise when I 
see one! 
Trying to pull a fast one on 
Simon and Chester, Super 
Detectives?
NOT TODAY! 
Let's take off that mask and
see who you really are!" 

I'm sure you can guess ... the pug is a pug, with no need for detectives. The shenanigans that happen as they try to open and close their case will have young readers spinning with merriment. The two are such fun; I would love to hear two readers share the story aloud. The dialogue-filled tale is perfect for early readers. The graphic format is boldly colored, highly engaging, and filled with fun. The details, oh, the details! Personally, I can't wait to see their next escapade. I'm sure I won't be alone in wishing for that. Bravo!