As a kid I read Encyclopedia Brown. I could relate to him, but not because of his photographic memory and attention to details, but because he was a nice kid. Every town needs one of him to help solve burglaries and crime!
When 5 Minutes for Books offered up a Children's Classic Mystery Challenge, I immediately knew I wanted to check out Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective from the library. Written by Donald J. Sobol, it's a fun read. Each SHORT chapter is a different mystery, but also moves the story along. Encyclopedia Brown (his parents call him Leroy) is a fifth grader, and the son of the police chief. He solves each mystery by the end of the chapter, but you have to turn to the end of the book to find out how he solved each crime.
This is a fun read, and is even great as a read-aloud. My husband and I read a couple out loud to one another. There are always clues in the story to help you solve it, too. (There was only one case I didn't know the answer to, but my husband did.)
This book is less than 100 pages long and would hold most children's interest, even if they don't like to read. This would be a great read aloud to school-aged children, too! Getting to solve the mystery yourself certainly has perks!
(Which book did you select for the giveaway? Check it out!)
7 comments:
I LOVED reading Encyclopedia Brown as a kid. I even read Trixie Belden and of course, the Nancy Drew mysteries.
I can't wait until my 5yr. old is old enough to read them on her own!
~ Jennifer
http://thetoyboxyears.blogspot.com
I remember those books too! When I started reading this Harriet the Spy immediately popped into my head. Did you ever read those books?
I haven't read this series yet but after reading everyone's reviews this past month we went to the library and picked up a few books. We'll be starting them tonight. I have a feeling my boys are going to enjoy them. (Me too!)
Renee'
http://rmboys2.wordpress.com/
Fun that we both wrote about Encyclopedia Brown this month! I agree that they'd make great read-alouds. The short chapters, combined with the chance to solve the mysteries together makes them a perfect fit.
I loved EB as a kid! I really need to pick some up from the library for my boys. :)
I haven't read EB before ever but I'm getting the idea (from you and Katrina) that he's kind of a boy Monk (referencing the television show, of course). I think I'd really like him a lot! So he's on my list of people to meet this particular challenge.
Thanks for sharing!
I posted about Encyclopedia Brown too, I read it to my 6 year old and he loved it, even if he didn't quite figure out the mysteries. :)
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