Detective Sweet Pea: The Case of the Golden Bone

by Sara Varon (Author)

Detective Sweet Pea: The Case of the Golden Bone
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Can Detective Sweet Pea sniff out the suspect and crack the case? From the creator of Robot Dreams, now an Oscar Award-nominated feature film, comes a new graphic novel series for young readers!

Sweet Pea’s got a pretty sweet life. The animals in her hometown of Parkville have always gotten along with one another, and she’s free to spend her days doing what she loves best: making art, hanging out with friends, and digging through the trash for tasty treats. When two new dogs move to town, Sweet Pea is eager to show them the sights and smells of Parkville . . . especially its most famous attraction, the one-of-a-kind GOLDEN CHEW BONE! But . . . the Golden Chew Bone has VANISHED! Parkville needs a detective, and Sweet Pea’s spectacular sense of smell makes her the perfect pup to crack the case.

Select format:
Paperback
$14.99

Publishers Weekly

Blue-hued pooch Sweet Pea lives a carefree life in Parkville, where all species coexist peacefully. There, she indulges in her passions of creating art, spending time with friends, and dumpster-diving for hidden treasures. The arrival of canine newcomers Casper and Jelly sparks renewed excitement for Sweet Pea, especially since they're fellow art lovers; the newly-minted trio is excited to see the legendary Golden Chew Bone on display at the Parkville Art Museum. While attending its unveiling, however, Parkville denizens are shocked to learn that the monument has vanished. But with Sweet Pea's extraordinary sense of smell, she's the perfect pup to sniff out the perpetrator. She's accompanied by Wayne, a raccoon whose comedic rivalry with the pooch protagonist provides spirited competition, touching personal moments, and ample additional amusement in this already good-humored whodunit. Simple, cozy, and broadly colorful illustrations by Varon (My Pencil and Me) have an analog feel reminiscent of an old-fashioned Saturday morning cartoon. Brimming with visual gags and punny labels scattered throughout ("moldy bread slice," "soggy biscuit," "crumb-covered muffin wrapper"), this straightforward yet goofy graphic novel series launch will have young readers giggling into the next volume. Ages 6-10. (June)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5--Parkville's ready to celebrate their precious famous attraction, the Golden Chew Bone, when misfortune strikes and the bone is stolen! For a close community like this, the resulting bad breath and toothaches makes it a pretty concerning crime. In order to rectify this, the museum director enlists the all-around friendly, and trash-loving dog, Sweet Pea. Even with her super sniffer though, the trail runs cold at several points. It's her first case, but thanks to friends and historic inspiration, she has just what she needs to solve it. While this graphic novel presents itself in a genuine manner where the animals speak earnestly, the cartoonish style and silly situations injects a comedic note into the proceedings. Further adding to the family-friendly appeal is a cooperative tone that eases readers into accepting the wholesome messages and ending. While Sweet Pea learns the ropes, the story also acts as a gateway into the mystery genre. Before the theft even occurs, a tour clearly establishes all the potential suspects, Sweet Pea's skills, and the locked box scenario. The author points out motivations, clues, and methods for overcoming hurdles that may prompt kids to come up with their own theories. With a whole community of friends to follow and colored notes that literally point out additional information, readers will have lots to chew on. VERDICT A sweet and silly mystery comic for kids just dipping their toes into the genre.--Rachel Forbes

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Kirkus

Starred Review
These characters and this town feel bursting with more stories to tell; readers will be grateful that this charming and smartly crafted mystery is just the start of a new series.

Review quotes


Sara Varon

Sara Varon is a graphic novelist and children's book author/illustrator living in Chicago. She is the author of Robot Dreams, which has been adapted into an Oscar-nominated animated feature film. Her other books include Odd Duck, Bake Sale, New Shoes, Hold Hands, My Pencil and Me, and the Detective Sweet Pea series. Her work has received many accolades--among others, Hold Hands was named a Best Children's Book of 2019 by the New York Times; Odd Duck was selected by Kirkus Reviews as one of the Best Children's Books of 2013; Bake Sale was chosen as a YALSA Great Graphic Novel of 2012; and Robot Dreams was on Oprah's Kids' Reading List in 2008. In 2013, Sara was a recipient of the Sendak Fellowship.
saravaron.com

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781250236371
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
First Second
Publication date
May 28, 2024
Series
Detective Sweet Pea
BISAC categories
JUV002070 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Dogs
JUV028000 - Juvenile Fiction | Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories
JUV008120 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Mystery & Detective
Library of Congress categories
Humorous stories
Lost and found possessions
Lost articles
Friendship
Animals
Dogs
City and town life
Mystery and detective stories
Graphic novels
Cartoons and comics
Comics (Graphic works)
Humorous comics
Detective and mystery comics
Funny animal comics
Detective and mystery comic books, strips, et

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!