The Case of the Rock’n’Roll DogTop

First Kids Mysteries

Next The Case of the Rock’n’Roll Dog

Coming in October 2010! Cameron, Tessa and Nate are just your average American kids with your average American dog – except they happen to live in the White House. Cameron and Tessa are the daughters of the first woman president, and Nate is their cousin. Together, they’re the First Kids, and Hooligan is the first dog. Hooligan’s not really bad. He just has too much energy. When the most popular band in America, The Song Boys, gets invited to play a White House concert – Tessa and Cameron are thrilled! Then stuff starts disappearing, including the Marine Band director’s baton, and it looks like the concert might not happen at all. Can the first kids solve the case and save The Song Boys? Find out in this fast-paced, madcap mystery that even includes two original songs!

Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-8234-2267-8

Who Stole Grandma's Million-Dollar Pumpkin Pie?Top Book Secrets

Chickadee Court Mysteries

Last Next Who Stole Grandma's Million-Dollar Pumpkin Pie?

Alex Parakeet's dad is about to get his big break: a guest spot on an EAT Network cooking show. Host Zooey Bonjour is coming to Alex's hometown to broadcast live from the football stadium before the big game, and Dad's going to be on TV making his grandma's "million-dollar pumpkin pie." There's just one slight problem. The recipe is missing! And the only clue is a couple of blue paw prints. Who would steal a pumpkin pie recipe anyway? Is it possible somebody doesn't want Dad to make it big? With only a week before the show, Alex takes the case – with help from best friend, Yasmeen, worst enemy Sofie Sikora, and ace-detective cat, Luau. Before they're done, they'll have to break into a hotel room, babysit the worst kid ever, and eat way too much pumpkin pie, all in hopes of solving the Chickadee Court kids' funniest – and yummiest – mystery yet.

Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-8234-2215-9

“Engaging text with a lot of humor, especially from the cat, keeps the story moving quickly. Readers follow Alex and Yasmeen from recycling bins to a hotel suite to a tailgate party to solve the mystery. Children who like fast-paced whodunits with a touch of humor will enjoy the story.”

—School Library Journal

“...a hilarious mystery romp as the intrepid detectives discover who the culprit really is. The identity of the thief is a surprise to everyone.”

—Children's Literature

Who Stole Uncle Sam?Top Book Secrets

Chickadee Court Mysteries

Last Next Who Stole Uncle Sam?

Tween sleuths and best friends Alex and Yasmeen have sworn off solving mysteries, but when Alex's baseball coach – dressed in his Uncle Sam get-up – disappears into a porta-potty on Memorial Day, no one else can figure out what happened. There are clues, but they don't add up. Worse yet, the best ones seem to be hiding in bags of month-old trash! Do Alex and Yasmeen have the smarts – not to mention the stomach – to find the kidnapper? And will Alex's baseball team ever win a game?

Paperback ISBN: 10: 0823420914

Hardcover ISBN: 13: 9780823420919

“... a well-paced narrative.... Readers starting the series here will certainly want to celebrate other holidays with Alex, his neighbor Yasmeen, his detective cat Luau and their friends.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Who Stole Halloween?Top Book Secrets

Chickadee Court Mysteries

Last Next Who Stole Halloween?

The last thing Alex wants to do right before Halloween is get involved with another mystery, but when cats start disappearing, his best friend Yasmeen and his own cat Luau are both keen to know whodunit. Why is the missing-cat flyer posted in a graveyard anyway? And is it true the ghost haunting the new health-food store downtown has it in for cats? Before trick-or-treat is even over, Alex and Yasmeen will find themselves teaming up with the annoying (but brilliant) Sofie Sikora, Luau will be going undercover, and a whole new mystery – this one more than 100 years old – will demand investigation.

Hardcover ISBN: 0823419622

“...the book will entice even reluctant readers with its action and humor.”

—School Library Journal

“Fans of the Christmas mystery will savor this one, as good as eating Halloween candy, and they'll definitely want a third. Both tricks and treats in this enjoyable younger mystery.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Who is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas?Top Book Secrets

Chickadee Court Mysteries

Last Next Who is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas?

Alex Parakeet loves winter vacation. You never have to put on shoes. You hardly have to move from the TV room. Nobody bugs you go to outside and exercise. Anyone in his right mind knows it's too cold. But when decorations from the neighborhood Twelve Days of Christmas display disappear, Alex is dragged into the investigation by his best friend Yasmeen, and his very own cat, Luau. Who would want a goose, a partridge and a calling bird anyway? And what do the thefts have to do with a toy store burglary downtown? One thing's for sure, Alex's winter break is not going to go the way he planned it.

Hardcover ISBN: 0823417883

“... ho, ho, ho... a supercharged, easy mystery that's genuine fun....with chatty dialogue and huge kid appeal, this holiday-themed story guarantees laughs for every season.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Breezy dialogue, some madcap moments, and the boy's endearing rapport with his parents add up to a festive read.”

—Publisher's Weekly

The Trouble with TwinsTop Book Secrets

The Trouble with...

Last Next The Trouble with Twins

After Holly's mom has twin boys, Holly realizes that cats are no trouble at all in comparison. Now the boys are on the eve of their second birthday, and Holly's mom and stepdad are too pooped to put on a party. Holly to the rescue! With help from her best pals, Holly plans everything right down to cake, balloons and entertainment – but she doesn't count on a lost pet cricket, an exploding espresso pot, or those always unpredictable cats. You won't want to miss the funniest birthday party

Paperback ISBN: 13: 978-0-8234-2025-4

“This book is a winning portrait of a family struggling with everyday concerns.”

—School Library Journal

“... kids who like Judy Blume's 'Fudge' series or who have preschool-aged sibs themselves will find plenty to enjoy here.”

—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The Trouble with BabiesTop Book Secrets

The Trouble with...

Last Next The Trouble with Babies

Holly's back, and so are those cats! This time Mom and William have made her move to a new house, and the neighbors are really weird. What is that silver machine in the backyard next door anyway? Is the boy who built it really a mad scientist? And what has he done with George Cat?

Hardcover ISBN: 0823416984

“Those readers for whom Holly is already a friend will appreciate this further domestic adventure; those who don't yet know Holly need to be introduced as soon as possible.”

—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The Trouble with CatsTop Book Secrets

The Trouble with...

Last Next The Trouble with Cats

Holly's late to school. She forgets her homework. The kids don't like her. What's the trouble? Cats! Now that Mom has married William, Holly has to share a room with four troublesome cats. Holly doesn't like the cats. And they don't like her – or do they?

Paperback ISBN: 0440418097

Hardcover ISBN: 0823414795

“The excellent plot development and characterization make this a good choice for beginning chapter-book readers.”

—School Library Journal

1,000 Reasons Never to Kiss a BoyTop Book Secrets

Last Next 1,000 Reasons Never to Kiss a Boy

Sixeen-year-old Jane Green never had a boyfriend till she fell hard for tall, blond and handsome Elliot Badgi who worked with her at Seymour's Bagels in College Springs, Pa. Their romance was perfect – till they had a colossal fight, and Jane caught him kissing the notorious Valerie in the bagel store's walk-in refrigerator. Meanwhile, College Springs' annual parade is coming up – a big deal in a small town – and the Seymour's float just might be outclassed by one from the fancy chain bagel store that just opened. Will corporate bagels beat out homemade? And is there life after breakup? Jane is about to find out.

Paperback ISBN: 13:978-0-8234-2044-5

“... laugh-out-loud humor...”

—Booklist

“This story, with its thoroughly likable heroine and complete cast of unique supporting characters, maintains a humorous tone as it builds toward a surprisingly satisfying conclusion.”

—Children's Literature

“...will undoubtedly be popular with female teen readers.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Mrs. Wow Never Wanted a CowTop Book Secrets

Last Next Mrs. Wow Never Wanted a Cow

Mrs. Wow never wanted a cow – but when one shows up on her front lawn and refuses to 'shoo,' what's Mrs. Wow to do? More complications ensue when Mrs. Wow's lazy dog and cat decide to teach the cow to do chores so they can relax. Can a cow catch a mouse? What about guarding the house? Find out in Martha's hilarious beginner reader, her first, which features brilliant illustrations by the incredible Steve Salerno.

Hardcover ISBN: 0375834184

“Most beginning readers will want to read this amusing story over and over while enjoying the colorful illustrations.”

—Children's Literature

“A romp.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Fourth-Grade WeirdoTop Book Secrets

Last Next Fourth-Grade Weirdo

Dexter Plum is the only kid in the class who carries a briefcase. How can he hope to get along with a goofy teacher like Mr. Ditzwinkle? But then Mr. Ditzwinkle is accused of theft, and Dexter knows he didn't do it. If Dexter doesn't like the Ditz, how come he's knee-deep in mud, dressed up like a princess, and confronting a ghost – all to defend him?

Paperback ISBN: 0440416892

Hardcover ISBN: 0823414604

“... readers will cheer as Dexter transforms himself into a colorful character.”

—Kirkus Reviews

The Year My Parents Ruined My LifeTop Book Secrets

Last The Year My Parents Ruined My Life

In sunny California, Kate Sommers is president of the class, best friend of the class secretary, girlfriend of a surfer. But then her father gets a new job in chilly Pennsylvania. Now who is Kate Sommers? A lying stuck-up snitch, say the mean kids in her new school. But never fear. With her best California friend, Kate has hatched Operation Defrost, a daring escape plan.

Paperback ISBN: 0440415330

Hardcover ISBN: 0823413241

“... Freeman's personable characters, dry sense of humor and sure understanding of the adolescent mind are sure to draw a tidal wave of fans.”

—Publisher's Weekly

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