WOOF, by Spencer Quinn

The story: For Bowser and Birdie, it's love at first sight. He's a dog, she's a kid, and together they tackle the mystery Big Jack, a stuffed fish stolen in broad daylight from Grammy Gaux's fishing and tackle store. Good thing Birdie is a stubborn investigator, and good thing Bowser has a "nose" for clues--really! Bad thing? The bad guys are on the trail of something big, and they have no intention of letting a kid and a dog get in the way. But they're about to find out that it's never a good idea to underestimate your opponent because of their size--or their fur!

June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; violence PG; sexual content G; nudity G; substance abuse PG; magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (theft) PG; overall rating PG.

Liz's comments: Anyone who likes dogs will love this one! Bowser will remind you of Dug in the Disney movie "UP"--his life is mostly about food, smells, running around...and Birdie. It's the last thing that makes him a great partner in Birdie's detective efforts, and it's those great big teeth (used only as a last resort) that makes him the muscle while Birdie provides the brain. A really fun read for both dog and mystery lovers! (Even though it's rated for ages 9-12, MS kids in those two categories will also like it.)