Review by Julie1 -- Serendipity Mystery by R.F. Kristi
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Review by Julie1 -- Serendipity Mystery by R.F. Kristi
[Following is a volunteer review of "Serendipity Mystery" by R.F. Kristi.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy cat, is the seventh book of R. F. Kristi’s 'The Inca Book Series.' Although it’s a series, it is a stand-alone, you don’t really need to read the first six to enjoy this one. The series is about the adventures of a Siamese Cat, Inca, who runs a detective agency. In this series, Inca and her family went for a vacation, in a place where it’s sunny away from the cold weather they have at home. While they were having their relaxation, their vacation turns out to be another detective adventure. It is when they learn from the local newspaper that an old antique sword has been stolen from the museum, they knew right away that their services is needed. They have met new friends which became a new member of their detective agency, who had helped them figure out the mystery.
The story is in narrative style; you were actually flipping Inca’s diary day by day. Dates are written on each scenario. Which makes it easy to read and the words used were very simple. Young readers who were just starting to read would appreciate this style. It’s a detective mystery but was not too serious, in fact it was a very funny story. It’s fast paced, the children would definitely finish the story in one sitting as the story would excite them to reveal the mystery. The author added a side story, to slow it down a bit, but the children would still find it exciting. Although, the revelation of the mystery was not so appealing for me. It was too predictable and I feel that it lacks something. Perhaps the author, feels that it was the appropriate plot, since the target readers were young children. I would still recommend the author to consider adding a bit of twist to encourage children to ponder more, and to never underestimate how children think.
What I like most about the book was that the children can learn a lot in a story form. The setting was a great choice, not your usual setting for a children story. A glimpse of Sri Lanka’s culture was shown which would surely entice the children’s imagination about the country; they even went to a UNESCO heritage site. It’s a great opportunity for a parent to share-in additional information for the children to learn, like what was UNESCO or even pointing them where Sri Lanka is located on the map. They would also learn facts about some animals, as some of the characters they met tells their own ways of living. The turtle for example, describe his ancestors and how was their ordinary day is like. As well as Inca’s encounter with a snake and a family of leopard; this side story would also teach them an important lesson, the danger of coming out alone late at night and how Inca was able to handle it despite of her fear.
The illustrations were wisely done as it’s children appropriate. Imagery is eye-catching, surely, captivating with its full colored pictures. Not to mention the funny expressions which adds up to the humor of the stories. Actions, expressions were very obvious, suitable to each plot. The illustrator did a great job.
I recommend this book for young readers. The words were not so difficult to read and understand. The story would excite them, which surely makes them want to read more of Inca’s detective adventures. Good values like sibling love, friendship, camaraderie and trusting your instincts are a few to learn. With that said, I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4, as this was wonderfully made and would help us parents in inspiring children to read with ease. Despite of my “not liking” the discovery of the mystery, I would still give the highest score, children would learn a lot while enjoying and that counts for me.
******
Serendipity Mystery
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4 out of 4 stars
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Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy cat, is the seventh book of R. F. Kristi’s 'The Inca Book Series.' Although it’s a series, it is a stand-alone, you don’t really need to read the first six to enjoy this one. The series is about the adventures of a Siamese Cat, Inca, who runs a detective agency. In this series, Inca and her family went for a vacation, in a place where it’s sunny away from the cold weather they have at home. While they were having their relaxation, their vacation turns out to be another detective adventure. It is when they learn from the local newspaper that an old antique sword has been stolen from the museum, they knew right away that their services is needed. They have met new friends which became a new member of their detective agency, who had helped them figure out the mystery.
The story is in narrative style; you were actually flipping Inca’s diary day by day. Dates are written on each scenario. Which makes it easy to read and the words used were very simple. Young readers who were just starting to read would appreciate this style. It’s a detective mystery but was not too serious, in fact it was a very funny story. It’s fast paced, the children would definitely finish the story in one sitting as the story would excite them to reveal the mystery. The author added a side story, to slow it down a bit, but the children would still find it exciting. Although, the revelation of the mystery was not so appealing for me. It was too predictable and I feel that it lacks something. Perhaps the author, feels that it was the appropriate plot, since the target readers were young children. I would still recommend the author to consider adding a bit of twist to encourage children to ponder more, and to never underestimate how children think.
What I like most about the book was that the children can learn a lot in a story form. The setting was a great choice, not your usual setting for a children story. A glimpse of Sri Lanka’s culture was shown which would surely entice the children’s imagination about the country; they even went to a UNESCO heritage site. It’s a great opportunity for a parent to share-in additional information for the children to learn, like what was UNESCO or even pointing them where Sri Lanka is located on the map. They would also learn facts about some animals, as some of the characters they met tells their own ways of living. The turtle for example, describe his ancestors and how was their ordinary day is like. As well as Inca’s encounter with a snake and a family of leopard; this side story would also teach them an important lesson, the danger of coming out alone late at night and how Inca was able to handle it despite of her fear.
The illustrations were wisely done as it’s children appropriate. Imagery is eye-catching, surely, captivating with its full colored pictures. Not to mention the funny expressions which adds up to the humor of the stories. Actions, expressions were very obvious, suitable to each plot. The illustrator did a great job.
I recommend this book for young readers. The words were not so difficult to read and understand. The story would excite them, which surely makes them want to read more of Inca’s detective adventures. Good values like sibling love, friendship, camaraderie and trusting your instincts are a few to learn. With that said, I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4, as this was wonderfully made and would help us parents in inspiring children to read with ease. Despite of my “not liking” the discovery of the mystery, I would still give the highest score, children would learn a lot while enjoying and that counts for me.
******
Serendipity Mystery
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Julie1's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Sigfried’s Smelly Socks! by Len Foley
