Reviews
~~~~~
Someone’s stealing nuts from the forest, and it’s up to Detective Gordon to catch the thief!
Unfortunately, solving this crime means standing in the snow and waiting for a long time… If only he had an assistant—someone small, fast, and clever—to help solve this terrible case. Then Detective Gordon would be able to go back to doing what he’s best at: thinking, eating cakes, drinking tea, and stamping important papers.
A brilliant detective story by Ulf Nilsson, one of Sweden’s top children’s writers and illustrated by Gitte Spee in full colour throughout. A book to read alone or aloud!
Translated by Julia Marshall.
Ideal for children 6-9 years old.
Hardcover, 96 pages. 5.8 x 8 inches.
Gecko Press.
About the Detective Gordon series:
Detective Gordon is a friendly, philosophical, humorous, and thoughtful detective series following the adventures of the rather tired—and often hungry—Detective Gordon and his chirpy assistant, Buffy.
Detective Gordon is something of a humanist, and keeps an eye out for the weaker inhabitants of his woods. The books are full of warm, witty wisdom from one of Sweden’s foremost children’s authors, Ulf Nilsson. The text is affectionately and generously illustrated in watercolor and pencil by acclaimed Dutch illustrator, Gitte Spee. This is a detective series with depth—ideal for elementary school, perfect for reading alone, wonderful for reading aloud.
"A wonderful choice for independent reading" ~ Starred review, Booklist
"As I read this sweet story, I noticed how many times I smiled at various lines of text. Just love the interactions between the chief and his new policewoman! It will make a great read aloud K-3 and independent read for grade 3 and up!" ~ Jane Martellino
"Detective Gordon (a toad) is the chief of police in the forest; young, excitable Buffy (a mouse) is his brand-new sidekick. Using their complementary skills, the two track down some nut thieves and mete out an eminently just punishment. This odd couple’s first mission is full of warm humor and wisdom – both handled with a feather-light touch." ~ Horn Books
"A gentle story full of little gems of wisdom and a scrupulous attention to what is right. Detective Gordon is a philosopher and a humanist. . Charming on all levels." ~ Magpies
"I thought this book was wondrous to read, a tricky mystery that was nice, entertaining, adventurous and mysterious all at the same time. (Hannah, age 8)" ~ Booksellers NZ
"What an utterly charming book! … This is a great chapter book for newly independent readers aged 7 – 9. I think it would be equally as wonderful as a read-aloud by parents or teachers." ~ Book Trailers 4 Kidz
"A thoughtful and poignant evocation of the tension between crime and its causes and consequences … Amusing and ironic … Highly recommended." ~ Reading Time
"Endearing characters and a childlike sensibility through writing that is clean, precise, and amusing. A wonderful choice for independent reading, particularly for kids who become accomplished readers early." ~ Booklist USA
"Beautifully written with gentle humour and compassion. The colour illustrations by Gitte Spee capture the mood of the tale perfectly; her squirrels are full of exuberance, Gordon is world-weary and Buffy is refreshingly enthusiastic. The result is an ideal introduction for young readers to the world of novels." ~ The Source NZ
"A wise, amusing tale with a gentle moral." ~ Bookrapt
"The full-color illustrations add whimsy to the tale and perfectly complement this gentle read … Hand this one to precocious readers who have graduated from early chapter books but aren’t ready for too much strife in their novels." ~ School Library Journal
"The book’s message, its characters, and the simple but colorful illustrations … heighten its appeal and will prompt readers to anticipate more cases for this crime-solving team." ~ Reading Today USA
