Editor’s Note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Memorial Library in Houlton highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by the staff.
Well, here we go again with Packrat and Cooper and their circle of family and friends at the campground in Maine. Author Tamra Wight has had plenty of experience at their location in Poland, Maine. And doesn’t she use it to great advantage in her books! In “Mystery of the Missing Fox”, (or foxes), the big question is who would want to kidnap a baby fox (called a kit by proper people).
And by the same author, “Mystery of the Eagle’s Nest” calls for much the same question. Both books are illustrated by Carl DiRocco whose drawings tend to be spare in content, yet striking in that same simplicity.
Settings are on the campground of Cooper’s family, involve his good friend Packrat (wait ‘til you see where that comes from) and a newcomer Roy along with family members and friends who help during the camping season. Molly is especially lovable.
The text is interesting and we like how the mysteries unfold, with surprise endings; a bonus are tidbits of information about “Eagles” and “Foxes” where we learned facts which appear beginning each new chapter. Those are true nature which children can understand.
There may be a wee bit of concern with the tricks and troubles these characters tend to attract and participate in which this reader felt might need an explanation to use caution. Then I remembered the old television series of “Lassie”. That dog was always rescuing someone from near disaster and didn’t we love it…Perhaps the same mindset applies here.
Anyway, this adult liked these two books, and as chapter books, could be used in a classroom to good effect.
The Cary Memorial Library is open Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 532-1302.
