Beginner Mysteries!

Mystery books have been laying all around the house lately.  I don't mind though- just so glad the kids are spending time with books this summer!

Sunshine and Peanut have been interested in both the Cam Jansen and The Baily School Kids Series.  Both series are recommended for grades 3-5, but are appropriate for younger, more advanced readers.

The Baily School Kids 

- written by Debbie Daday and Marcia T. Jones. 

There are more than 80 books in this series- wow! 

There is also a Jr. version of the Bailey School Kids with easier text and more illustrations.

The stories involve a group of kids who question the identity of different people that come into their lives.  From possible Zombies to Vampires, these books are fun for kids without being "too" scary.

Cam Jansen
Click!  Cam Jansen has a memory like a camera, which comes in handy when solving mysteries!  This fun series has been enjoyed independently and as a read aloud for both of my daughters. Cam Jansens also comes in a series for younger readers(grades 1-3) and is called Young Cam Jansen.  Both are written by David A. Adler.

Another mystery series that would be appropriate for beginner readers is Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. Peanut seems to really enjoy this quirky little detective. 

Today, Sunshine delved into a new mystery that she couldn't put down- The Adventures of Minnie and Max: KIDNAP at the Catfish Cafe written by Patricia Reilly Giff. (ages 7-10)

This was a thrift shop find and I'm not familiar with Minnie and Max books, but I did read that this is the first book in this series.  My daughter seems to really be enjoying it thus far. 

The main character is an orphan named Minnie who decides to start her own Detective agency and Max, well, he is a cat that dropped into her life.  Her first case involves trying to find his owner. 

Are your kids enjoying any mysteries?  How about writing a mystery together? 

Here are a couple of resources to get you started.....

Mystery Starter http://creativityforyou.com/mysteries.html

Mystery Cube http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/mystery_cube/

Have a wonderful day!

Jen

Disclaimer- no compensation given for the above review, although I am an amazon affiliate. Just suggestions based on my children's interests.  Other opinions may differ.