Review by Shrabastee -- Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a ...

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat" by R.F. Kristi.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat by R.F. Kristi follows snoopy kitty Inca and her detective agency into Sri Lanka, where they are spending the summer vacation. Here they solve a case of theft in a nearby museum and provide us with a refreshing tale of their adventures.

As this was my first book in the Inca series, the introduction depicting Inca’s family tree and describing each member of her detective agency was very helpful. Being a stand-alone story, this book does not require you to read the previous ones. But after completing this book, I believe you will feel compelled to read every single one of them.

The book uses simple language and short sentences suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years. As it is written in the form of diary entries by the lead detective Inca, we get the story from her point of view. Her descriptions are humorous and add to the charm of the story. The way she often summarizes her thoughts using bullet points is simply adorable.

The story is accompanied by a number of beautifully colored illustrations made by Jorge Valle. These will undoubtedly attract the intended audience. I noticed that although the pictures depict various animals, there is a human-like quality in their expressions that might make them more relatable to the young readers.

The book reminded me of those detective stories with all the detectives in their teens. In fact, the characters of Inca’s detective agency could have easily been replaced with human teenagers. But having kittens and dogs as protagonists has its perks. First of all, they are all so very cute and cuddly! Secondly, they are at an advantage since they can discuss the case and their plans openly in front of everyone and the humans are none the wiser!

What I liked most about this story is that even within a short span, the author has masterfully introduced the children to some of the world’s diversity. The very first chapter mentions that Sri Lanka boasts ‘more than two thousand years of culture’ and has ‘at least eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites’. All the animals depicted in the book are actual inhabitants of Sri Lanka, so the children get to know about the biodiversity. References of traditional dresses such as sari and sarong and the tradition of using elephants in weddings provide glimpses into the Sri Lankan culture. The description of the sandy beaches and lush forests was enough to induce an urge of traveling in young minds.

Another good thing about the book is that it contains subtle moral lessons. The way Inca enlists the help of Rani the turtle and Meena the elephant shows her regard for friendship. When Inca realizes that solving the mystery would not have been possible without her friends and siblings, she emphasizes the importance of team effort to achieve success. When she leaves the home at night in search of her hare-brained brother, or when the mighty cheetah decides to return her to her home, they show why the family is important above all. The children are sure to imbibe these moral values while enjoying the read at the same time.

My only complaint is that the Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka could have been explored in more details. In addition to Anuradhapura temple, the kitties could have visited other sites as well. Illustrations of a few of the Heritage Sites would have been more helpful and informative for the children.

Despite this, the book deserves nothing less than a 4 out of 4 stars. From the technical standpoint, I noticed only one misspelled word. Though addressed towards children of the age group 7-12 years, I am sure the adults will also enjoy the story. It reminds us of the flavor of our beloved Aesop’s fables and once again takes us to our childhood when life was simpler and the bad guys were always punished.

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Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like Shrabastee's review? Post a comment saying so!

[joycechitwa]

I love your review! It really brings the characters to life. The author was pretty creative to choose animals as the main characters on solving this mystery. I like the theme of teamwork and family that have been emphasized in this book. I agree with you though, they should have explored those UNESCO world heritage sites more deeply.

[Allyseria]

This sounds like a great book for children! Not only is it engaging, but it also teaches I'll have to check out the rest of the series. Thank you for the review

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

This sounds like a great book for children! Not only is it engaging, but it also teaches I'll have to check out the rest of the series. Thank you for the review

Thank you Allyseria for commenting. Yes it is a great book and I myself am intending to read the whole series. I hope the rest of them will also be fun!

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

I love your review! It really brings the characters to life. The author was pretty creative to choose animals as the main characters on solving this mystery. I like the theme of teamwork and family that have been emphasized in this book. I agree with you though, they should have explored those UNESCO world heritage sites more deeply.

Thank you so much! To be honest, I was not sure if I would like the book. But after I started reading, I felt like I myself was in for a vacation at Sri Lanka.

[Connie Otwani]

The book has an interesting way of teaching children the world's diversity, traditions, and moral values. As I read your review, I couldn't help reminisce on 'Secret Seven' and 'Famous Five' children detective series that shaped my reading culture. Great review!

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

The book has an interesting way of teaching children the world's diversity, traditions, and moral values. As I read your review, I couldn't help reminisce on 'Secret Seven' and 'Famous Five' children detective series that shaped my reading culture. Great review!

Thanks for commenting! Yes, indeed this book reminded me of all those stories featuring groups of teenage detectives that I used to like growing up, both in English and my native language. So many times I even used to fancy myself a young detective! Even though they dealt with crime, there was a sort of innocence in the stories, I believe!

[Connie Otwani]

The book has an interesting way of teaching children the world's diversity, traditions, and moral values. As I read your review, I couldn't help reminisce on 'Secret Seven' and 'Famous Five' children detective series that shaped my reading culture. Great review!

Thanks for commenting! Yes, indeed this book reminded me of all those stories featuring groups of teenage detectives that I used to like growing up, both in English and my native language. So many times I even used to fancy myself a young detective! Even though they dealt with crime, there was a sort of innocence in the stories, I believe!

Hey, you have reminded me. I actually used to try be a detective in events at home and school! Good old days!!

[HollandBlue]

Loved this children's mystery book, glad you liked it too!

[LaurenHaupt]

Excellent point. Great review. I haven't read this book but I was able to review the first one. The characters seemed enjoyable and the pictures were cute.

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

Excellent point. Great review. I haven't read this book but I was able to review the first one. The characters seemed enjoyable and the pictures were cute.

Thanks for stopping by! I will have to read the first book (and possibly the others), I liked the characters too much and would love to know more about them.

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

Loved this children's mystery book, glad you liked it too!

Thanks for the comment! Yes, great book for the children.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

What I liked most about this story is that even within a short span, the author has masterfully introduced the children to some of the world’s diversity. The very first chapter mentions that Sri Lanka boasts ‘more than two thousand years of culture’ and has ‘at least eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites’. All the animals depicted in the book are actual inhabitants of Sri Lanka, so the children get to know about the biodiversity. References of traditional dresses such as sari and sarong and the tradition of using elephants in weddings provide glimpses into the Sri Lankan culture. The description of the sandy beaches and lush forests was enough to induce an urge of traveling in young minds.

Another good thing about the book is that it contains subtle moral lessons. The way Inca enlists the help of Rani the turtle and Meena the elephant shows her regard for friendship. When Inca realizes that solving the mystery would not have been possible without her friends and siblings, she emphasizes the importance of team effort to achieve success. When she leaves the home at night in search of her hare-brained brother, or when the mighty cheetah decides to return her to her home, they show why the family is important above all. The children are sure to imbibe these moral values while enjoying the read at the same time.

These are both very important assets. I think kids (and, actually all of us) need to learn that the world is huge and there are different cultures and worldviews and develop curiosity and tolerance.
I think kids are very smart and moral lessons being subtle is even better: kids are totally capable of getting the message and they don't feel like they're being preached on.
An analytical and enthusiastic review, thanks!

[Espie]

I've just completed dealing with work on a usually-disdained topic, and the still-human "me" would've already given up if not for cats as a balancing theme. I've always loved those little feline pals (as well as dogs and other pets) ever since I could remember although my circumstances have drastically changed in more recent years that prevented me from having any. Nonetheless, pieces like this never fail to make me smile a bit. Thank you for your light yet thoughtful review.

[Alice Heritage]

A fun mystery for kids to follow in an exotic location! Thanks for another detailed and insightful review.