'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday 16 December 2020

Review: Juno Jones #3 Book Sleuth

Juno Jones, owner of an over-active imagination, and a master of setting scenes in exaggerated detail, is back again in a third title, Book Sleuth.

Juno is in the dumps due to the departure of Futoshi and his unicorn Blade, through a magic portal. She must now find a new vocation to fill her life in alignment with her secret and growing interest in reading and writing.

Yes, it’s true! Muttonbird Bay Primary School is constantly producing surprises! 

Formerly a child who disliked reading and writing, Juno has now transformed into a dedicated book lover with a favourite book. Shy Vi has won Best Public Speaker and a detailed catch-up about Juno's current relationship with Perfect Paloma and Smelly Bella, puts the reader into focus with her present situations.

There is also her amazing brother Genius George, always there to prop her up when needed.

The saga of Juno’s favourite book begins when she returns a borrowed book to the library. She is drawn to an illuminated book that calls to her from the desk. After reading it repeatedly each day for a week, Juno wants to re-borrow it.

The book disappears. Despair sets in. This initiates the Case of the Missing Book. The classroom becomes a courtroom against all opposition, as Juno is determined to find the book thief by whittling away at the suspects.

Easily distracted Juno tends to go off on a tangent with each cross-examination. The seven footnotes grow longer in turn. These serve as built in sources of information, as are her references to her writing and reading, where a lot of literary language is used and explained.

Always funny and entertaining, with the brilliant images by Sandy Flett to enhance the text, the Juno Jones series is a secret weapon for reluctant readers, who, after one book, emerge from their lack of interest in books, to become book lovers like Juno!

Title: Juno Jones  #3 Book Sleuth
Author: Kate Gordon
Illustrator:  Sandy Flett
Publisher: Yellow Brick Books, $ 12.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780648492566
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Fiction Younger