Mystery of the Missing Food
(Pokémon: Scholastic Reader, Level 2)

K-Gr 2--The television series Pokémon Journeys: The Series has gained popularity among children of all ages. In this book based on the series, Ash's and Goh's Pokémon are hungry, but they are sure they fed them already. Convinced that someone is stealing the Pokémons' food, Ash and Goh set up camp in Cerise Park to catch the thief. Just as suspected, there are thieves on the loose: Bug-type Pokémon are ready to fight for the food. After a long fight, the Bug-type Pokémon finally get the boot from Ash, Goh, and their Pokémon--only for them to discover that it was just a fuzzy little friend, Skwovet, who was the real culprit. This book is well adapted to resemble the television series, and its digital illustrations are replicas of what Pokémon-loving children are familiar with. The graphic novel feel will attract younger readers who aren't quite ready for the older Pokémon chapter books. VERDICT Recommended for general purchase in a school or public library, with appeal for reluctant readers who may be more likely to read a story that is adapted from characters they already know.--Kristen Todd-Wurm