THE WEIRD SISTERS

Three outcast sisters solve crimes.

Hildegurp, Yuckmina, and Glubbifer are perhaps the most unusual residents of the town of Covenly. Lacking a car, they travel by broom, and they run a pet emporium and a detective agency out of their home. Sadly, their neighbors are too spooked to visit—except for young Jessica Nibley. The sisters are depressed by their lack of business, while Jessica is at loose ends with school out for the summer. When Jessica, attempting to elevate everyone’s mood, takes them to the tire swing, they’re shocked to see the swing’s rope has been cut. In addition to using their Eye (a crystal ball attached to an old stick) to investigate and going undercover, they look into the case of a missing robin. Mishaps—and hilarity—ensue. Puns, charmingly eccentric characters, and Amelia Bedelia–esque misunderstandings on the parts of the well-meaning but clueless sisters (“Robin!” “We are not robbing”) result in an amusing book for readers transitioning into longer chapter books. Enticing black-and-white illustrations capture the spirit of this quirky tale. The mystery is simple but just right for the target audience. Readers will be left with wise guidance on the importance of self-confidence. The book ends with a recipe for seed cakes for robins. Race and ethnicity are generally left ambiguous in both text and artwork.

Punny, whimsical fun.