King & Kayla and the Case of the Secret Code (King & Kayla #2)

Gr 1-2--King and Kayla are solving mysteries for a younger generation in this prequel to Butler's "The Buddy Files" series. The stories are told from the perspective of King, a golden retriever with a nose for solving mysteries. In the Case of the Missing Dog Treats, three treats go missing and Kayla suspects King. Innocent King knows that an intruder has snuck in and must be found out. Is the real culprit Thor, Jillian's new puppy? Or is it Adam, Jillian's brother? Or someone else altogether? In the Case of the Secret Code, Kayla receives a strange letter on her doorstep that she cannot read. King smells oatmeal on the letter and knows only of one person who smells like oatmeal. Kayla and her friend Mason work to decipher the secret code, while King keeps trying, unsuccessfully, to tell them he knows who sent the letter. This new series features colorful illustrations and accessible tales told in short, simple sentences. It's a perfect option for newly independent readers ready to start transitioning from easy readers to beginning chapter books. VERDICT Transitional readers are always in demand, and this series is a worthy contribution to any collection serving brand-new readers.--Lisa Nabel, Tacoma Public Library, WA