This kickoff to a charming new early chapter book series describes Amy's puppy rescue efforts leading to the formation of the Critter Club.
Young readers meet Amy and her best friends, Ellie, Liz and Marion at their weekly Friday sleepover. It's their last one before spring break, and it seems that everyone has fun plans except Amy, who's stuck at home. Well, not really stuck. Amy loves helping out at her veterinarian mother's clinic, and she loves to read--Nancy Drew especially. So when mean Ms. Sullivan's new Saint Bernard puppy, Rufus, digs under the fence and escapes, Amy is on the case, following Nancy Drew's example. Amy tracks down paw prints and makes a list of possible destinations for Rufus and, along the way, changes her view of Ms. Sullivan. Amy calls Ellie, and Liz returns early from vacation, so they help, too, following up on clues and making posters.
The format is ideal for children just graduating from beginning readers, with large type, generous white space and short chapters. Plentiful illustrations convey clear clues, emphasize the teamwork among the four friends, and invite readers to solve the mystery along with Amy. A gentle lesson about Ms. Sullivan also cautions against "judging a book by its cover." In their second adventure, All About Ellie (also published this month), Ellie auditions for the school play--but will that take precedence over the Critter Club? Fans will be eager to find out. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness