Review by labibliofile -- Cat Detectives in the Korean P...

labibliofile · Post by **labibliofile** » 29 Jun 2019, 03:01

[Following is a volunteer review of "Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula" by R.F. Kristi.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Curiosity killed the cat, but Inca isn’t too worried about it, as satisfaction would bring her back.

Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula: Diary of a Snoopy Cat is the eighth edition of The Inca Detective Series in which Inca, the Siberian kitten, takes us to Korea for an exhilarating adventure.

The introduction gives us an insight into Inca’s ancestry and her relation to the majestic Siberian Tiger. It also familiarises us with the various other characters in the book including some other cats, a hamster, a dog and Missy, their ‘human Mom’.

Missy is a renowned chef who has invented a new type of cheese. She has been given an exciting opportunity to present her creation when she is invited to be one of the judges of the French patisserie competition organised between South and North Korean chefs by Le Cordon Bleu Cookery which is to be held in the buffer zone between the two countries. There is even a special event for her new cheese! Sounds like a magnificent launch, doesn’t it?

But all is not as easy as it sounds! Will Missy be able to get her creation safely to the event? Is that the only hindrance in the way or is there something more waiting for them in Korea?

I particularly like the fact that the book is from the point of view of a cat and how that gives us a unique insight. It is almost comical and grim at the same time, how Inca thinks that they have adopted a pet hamster and that the cats jointly own Missy! I especially also like how it portrays how each animal has very distinctive characteristics.

The book while introducing us to Inca’s ancestry teaches children the importance of their own ancestry, and while Inca shows pride in her own, it teaches the children to do the same.

I especially like the way the writer subtly tries to inform the young minds of the conflict between South Korea and North Korea and impresses the fact that it should be resolved so that families are not separated and everyone can live in peace. It portrays an understated political viewpoint, teaching the need for peace and not war to children in the most unpretentious way possible, in a way that children would understand its importance.

However, I was somewhat disheartened when the mystery and the adventure weren’t as eventful as promised. It was quite predictable who the culprit was even before the theft had taken place, and the mystery was established. Even considering that it is a children’s book, it would’ve been better if there were clues leading to the culprit and it wouldn’t be as obvious.

On another positive note, the colourful images will certainly grab the attention of the children. Further, the book seems to be professionally edited as I did not find any grammatical errors. It will also certainly teach children new words as there is some good use of vocabulary.

I rate Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula: Diary of a Snoopy Cat three out of four stars. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants to read a book from a unique perspective, pet-lovers and of course children. This book could even be incorporated as a fun project by teachers, demonstrating the importance of history, geography, politics, cooking, teamwork, creativity and of course English in a subdued manner.

The below quote by William S Burroughs is a perfect summary of the events in the book:

”My relationship with my cats has saved me from a deadly, pervasive ignorance.”

******
Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula
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Erin Painter Baker · Post by **Erin Painter Baker** » 03 Jul 2019, 10:54

I am never certain how to think about mystery books for kids. I have to wonder, is the answer to the mystery obvious to me because I am an adult, or would it be obvious to a kid, too? And then I wonder if it matters, since very often, kids like to have the same book read to them over and over again, so after the first reading, they would know the answer to the mystery anyway. These questions make it very hard for me to review that element of these kinds of books.
I am mostly interested in the positive aspects you mentioned - teaching kids to be proud of their own heritage and trying to give them a cultural understanding of a place they may never go.

labibliofile · Post by **labibliofile** » 04 Jul 2019, 00:31

esp1975 wrote: ↑03 Jul 2019, 10:54 I am never certain how to think about mystery books for kids. I have to wonder, is the answer to the mystery obvious to me because I am an adult, or would it be obvious to a kid, too? And then I wonder if it matters, since very often, kids like to have the same book read to them over and over again, so after the first reading, they would know the answer to the mystery anyway. These questions make it very hard for me to review that element of these kinds of books.
I am mostly interested in the positive aspects you mentioned - teaching kids to be proud of their own heritage and trying to give them a cultural understanding of a place they may never go.

Now that you put it in that perspective, you're right. What matters more is the positive aspect that it teaches the children! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Niv123 · Post by **Niv123** » 14 Sep 2019, 02:06

I loved reading this book and found it absolutely lovely! I'm happy that we share similar views on certain aspects of this book. Great review.

labibliofile · Post by **labibliofile** » 14 Sep 2019, 08:20

Nivi Gideon wrote: ↑14 Sep 2019, 02:06 I loved reading this book and found it absolutely lovely! I'm happy that we share similar views on certain aspects of this book. Great review.

Glad to hear that! Thank you for stopping by!

Samy Lax · Post by **Samy Lax** » 25 Sep 2019, 01:56

It is so interesting how the Introduction familiarizes us to so many other characters in addition to Inca. The colorful images in the book seem to bring everything together coherently as well. I really liked reading your review. Looking forward to read more from you!

Nerea · Post by **Nerea** » 29 Sep 2019, 07:12

I also sampled the book and I found it dramatic and humorous. Inca and her crew were quite interesting and hilarious.
Sorry about the disappointments you encountered through your reading of the book. You did well in your review. Kudos.

Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 25 Oct 2019, 02:04

I have also read the book and I agree that the teachings the book give are important and the author was able to lay it wonderfully. Great review!

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 09 Nov 2019, 02:38

Though the book was written for children it can entertain adults as well with nice suspenseful plot. Thanks for your insightful review.

Manali_DC · Post by **Manali_DC** » 25 Feb 2020, 08:20

Having read 3 books in the series, I can safely say I am a fan the Inca mystery stories. Some of the things you mentioned in your review-like seeing the world through Inca's eyes, or how they own their "humanoid Mom- are those little things that make the book such an enjoyable read! Great review!