Who can resist a great mystery book? Not only is this genre fun for kids and adults alike, but it provides a fantastic way to practice literacy skills! From making predictions, to asking questions, to checking for understanding, mystery books are an engaging way to get kids excited about the literacy process. Check out some of our favorites!
7 ate 9 by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Ross MacDonald
This adorable mystery stars Private I, who is hired by 6 to investigate the disappearance of number 9. “7 ate 9!” 6 claims, and Private I is on the case! He gathers evidence and conducts interviews, only to come to a very surprising conclusion! This book is such a fun read, with lots of numerical puns scattered throughout. Definitely worth a spot on the shelf!
Whobert Whover, Owl Detective by Jason Gallagher, illustrated by Jess Pauwels
When Whobert Whover, Owl Detective, finds Perry the Possum belly-up, he knows he’s got his next case. “Who? Who done it?” he cries as he scours the forest for clues. But the final culprit is the last creature he expects! This fun story is great for animal lovers!
Shark Detective by Jessica Olien
Shark dreams of becoming a detective, but everyone is scared of him! When he sees a missing kitty poster, he’s determined to solve the case. Little does he know that this case will end up changing his entire life! Short and sweet, this story is fun and quirky and a perfect quick read.
The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo by Elaine Bickell, illustrated by Raymond McGrath
Little Ghost has lost her Boo, and she’s determined to find it! Searching the forest, she hears a whoo-whoo, a coo, a cock-a-doodle-do, and even a moo– but none of her friends have heard her boo. Will she ever get it back? This sweet mystery book is full of beautiful illustrations, fun rhymes, and even an interactive twist at the end!
The Case of the Stinky Stench by Josh Funk, illustrated by Brendan Kearney
A horrible smell is destroying the fridge, and Inspector Croissant, Lady Pancake, and Sir French Toast are on the case! To find the source of the dangerous stink, they must visit Baron Von Waffle, inspect a red herring in Corn Chowder Lake, cross the Salsa Ravine, and climb Casserole Cliff! Filled with quirky names and jaunty rhyme, this story will be a family read-aloud favorite!
Pigeon PI by Meg McLaren
After his investigative partner takes off, Pigeon PI isn’t taking new cases. But when a fuzzy chick tells him birds are going missing– and then goes missing herself!-- he’s on the case! The kid needs his help! With its vintage PI tone and surprise ending, this book is such a fun read-aloud!
Secret Agent Splat by Rob Scotton
When Splat the Cat’s toy ducks start disappearing, he knows he needs to solve the mystery! Using his secret agent skills and supplies, he sets a trap that’s sure to catch the thief. This fun story has kooky illustrations that kids will love– and a surprise ending that celebrates the importance of friendship. Win win!
The Detective Dog by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
Detective Dog Nell can smell out any mystery, but her favorite thing to smell is books! So when the childrens’ books go missing, they know they can count on Nell to lead them to the culprit. With clever rhymes, cute illustrations, and a surprise library ending, this book is a perfect read-aloud for any dog-loving (or book-loving!) child.
The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers
When tree branches mysteriously disappear from the trees, the forest animals set out to investigate the problem. Little do they know that their investigations will ultimately lead them to a paper airplane contest, a bear, and a really big idea. With illustrations that tell the story as much as the words do, this is a delightful read-aloud story!
The Case of the Missing Chalk Drawings by Richard Byrne
After the chalks leave for lunch, they’re horrified to find that their chalk-drawn flowers are gone! After redrawing their masterpiece– this time with a fence around it– they figure all will be well. But they’re wrong! This time, both the flowers and the fence disappear. Who did it? And how can they make things right? This fun mystery story includes colorful illustrations drawn in– you guessed it– chalk!