A Robin, a Ribbon, and a Lawn Mower is the second illustrated children's mystery by Mark David Smith. Due out 18th Apr 2023 from Owlkids, it's 96 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
This is an engaging and whimsical mystery for the youngest readers (Lexile 580L). The main characters, a trio of Very Weird Sisters, Glubbifer Hildegurp and Yukmina, and their young friend Jennifer, are finding themselves at loose ends since the sisters are currently without a case to investigate and young Jennifer is on her summer school break.
There's a fair bit of mild wordplay throughout, with one character misinterpreting something one of the other characters says and it being defined in the story. It's a painless and fun way to improve some vocabulary and stretch reading muscles.
The book is illustrated throughout, and the pictures by Kari Rust are appealing and deceptively simple, with small details which invite readers to stop and take a closer look. There are genuinely funny pictures, such as the cat, Greymalkin, going for an emphatically unenthusiastic walk on harness, which will delight and surprise a chuckle.
Four stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or reading circles. With the varied cast of characters, there are nearly limitless possibilities for funny voices when reading.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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