Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum by Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison

Detective Stanley has barely sat down for his breakfast pancakes when he receives an invitation he cannot refuse. The Art Museum has been raided on the opening day of the Bleat Mondrian show and Stan has been called to investigate. The most perplexing thing about the case: Nothing has been stolen! But now Stan finds himself in a tight spot even his powers of deduction could not detect. Can he get himself out of trouble and can he solve the mystery of the Art Museum?

This is a fun young graphic reader, bursting with colour and personality. Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison combine their skills to make this a great read on every level. It's perfect for emerging or reluctant readers to tackle themselves, or for reading along with an older reader. The story riffs off the dog versus rivalry, as Detective Stanley is called back to work before he's even finished his pancakes on his first day of retirement.

The story is packed with interesting words - whooshed and skidded, trembling and delicious. There are jokes and puns, dialogue and plenty of onomatopoeia to make this a delight to read.

The book instantly draws the reader to it, with sparkles of gold glistening from the cover and tactile elements begging you to open it up. Harrison's artwork is detailed, colourful and cute. There's so much to take in on the cover alone, let alone within the pages.

Harrison hides little tidbits within the artwork for keen detectives. There's also plenty of funny little visual jokes and details to spot.

The duo have based Narlybone Museum's Bleat Mondrian on the real-life artist, Piet Mondrian. It's very clever and readers are encouraged to learn more about Mondrian with a special case file at the end of the book.

Detective Stanley is a fresh and funky delight of a read. I can't wait to see whether he'll be able to enjoy his retirement or whether the lure of a plant pacher will draw him back to the beat.

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Flying Eye Books