Review by Booklist Review
When Detective Gordon's assistant, the little mouse named Buffy, observes that the animals in their forest look troubled and sad, the two police officers investigate and determine that someone has been bullying the animals by saying unkind and even nasty things. But who? An old and frequently tired toad, Gordon appreciates the energy and optimism that Buffy brings to her work. Their teamwork helps them solve the mystery, but it's their camaraderie that readers will remember best. Children who vicariously enjoyed the little cakes that sustained the officers in Detective Gordon: First Case (2015) will be equally intrigued by the box of old clothing here, the source of their many disguises. Large and small, the many colorful illustrations perfectly capture the lovable, idiosyncratic characters and their woodland world. An appended two-page map, which features characters as well as settings, allows kids to retell the story using visual cues. First published in Sweden, this beguiling chapter book is a fine choice for young independent readers or for reading aloud.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-4-Detective Gordon (a bumbling toad) and his protégé, Buffy (a cheerful mouse), tackle cases involving missing cake tins and an unidentified neighborhood bully. As the diminutive creature is taught the rules of the trade-from "investigate everything" to "be prepared to be eaten up!"-readers will quickly discern who the ace gumshoe truly is. A genial introduction to chapter books and an affectionate duo, featuring colorful, lissome art. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In their second case (Detective Gordon: The First Case, rev. 5/15), Detective Gordon (an elderly toad feeling his age) and Police Assistant Buffy (a young mouse determined to prove herself) face the issue of bullying. Someone has been saying nasty things to fellow forest creatures. The victims are too afraid to identify the culprit, so Gordon and Buffy investigatenot only who is doing the bullying, but why. The truth of the situation is, indeed, more complicated than it first appears, and as before, Gordon and Buffys application of the law is just and compassionate. During the investigation, Gordon contemplates the distinctions between intentional nastiness, accidental un-nice-ness, and thoughtlessness, and the partners fess up to occasional unkindness of their own. Police must always tell the truth, after all, and must always investigate themselves. Text and illustrations alike are full of humor and affection, making for a thoughtful but light-handed exploration of the topic. By cases end Buffy has earned a promotion (and learned to read) and Gordon has embarked on a much-needed vacation, leaving things in Buffys capable paws. Loose black line drawings with washes of warm color portray the friends, their cozy home, and the forest community they serve and protect. katie bircher (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Something's amiss in Detective Gordon's forested police district. Detective Gordon, a toad, wakes to find the morning cake tin, the afternoon cake tin, and the evening cake tin all missing. Oh no! Luckily Police Assistant Buffy, a mouse, saw Gordon walk in his sleep and take the tins outside. That case is solved easily enough, but another looms: everyone in the wood seems somehow sad. The police force investigates. No one will name the culprit, but it turns out there's some teasing going on. Careful detective work exposes the bully. However, the case is far from cut and dry. Good thing they have the Book of Law to remind them what's forbidden, though Buffy must first learn to read in order to consult it on her own. Swedish author Nilsson's second Detective Gordon woodland mystery has all the charm and whimsy of the first. A complicated case meets a complicated solution in this tale of intergenerational friendship that's deeply respectful of its audience of young independent readers. It's a sort of Frog and Toad meets Mayberry R.F.D. Spee's plentiful soft and slightly squiggly illustrations of clothed animals bring Nilsson's comfortable little world to life. Readers will be hoping this isn't Detective Gordon's last case. Put Detective Gordon's stamp on it: KLA-DUNK! Another winner. (Mystery. 6-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
