The Case of the Missing Hippo (Fabio the World's Greatest Flamingo Detective)

Young sleuths will enjoy the easy mystery and the cheeky illustrations. More cases on the way! 

Gr 2-5--In this playful mystery for beginning chapter book readers, Fabio is a flamingo who loves to solve crimes and drink pink lemonade. When Julia the hippo goes missing during her talent show performance, Fabio steps in to help. Using the clues left behind and interviewing key witnesses, the sleuthing flamingo must put his skills to the test to catch the kidnapper and save Julia. Young readers will find Fabio and his best friend, Gilbert the giraffe, likable. The engaging plot and bright neon pink and green pages will draw readers into the story. Though the fast pace can make the text occasionally hard to follow, fans of the author's "Pirate Pug" books will applaud this series debut. VERDICT A wild and fun mystery for young readers; recommended for elementary libraries where James's previous series thrive.--Elizabeth Pelayo, St. Charles East High School, IL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

[Fabio's] twists and turns are fun to follow and, combined with its beautiful illustrations, make this story both thrilling and playful. - Foreword Reviews, starred review

Shifty characters, clues hiding in plain sight and a big reveal make for a satisfying introduction to the detective genre in this neon-bright caper for children. - Wall Street Journal

Giggleworthy . . . the cheeky tone, and, of course, the whodunit appeal will motivate some readers to test their literacy chops and help our pink protagonist solve the mystery. - BCCB

A classic detective story with some quirky, fun animal flair . . . . The bright neon green and pink illustrations compliment the fun plot. - School Library Connection

With plenty of fun, outlandish scenarios, and a few new friends, this is sure to please. - Booklist on COWBOY PUG

Pug is a fun, engaging character, while Lady Miranda is caring and will remind young readers of Fancy Nancy and Eloise. . . . Fans of dogs and animal adventures will have a hard time putting this one down. - Starred review, School Library Journal on CAPTAIN PUG

This charming chapter book will delight young readers ready to tackle longer stories. The breezy tone and adventurous plot will keep the pages turning, while comical illustrations—accented with blue and red—add to the fun. - Booklist on CAPTAIN PUG