Chop-Chop, Mad Cap!

July 1, 2015

Gr 2-4-In this first installment, readers are introduced to Madgie Cappock, aka Mad Cap, who is trying to get her "Rent-a-Hero" agency off the ground, along with her genius best friend, Norbert. Their first mission is to steal Mad Cap's brother's diary in order to find out his girlfriend's name. The mission doesn't go exactly as planned and Mad Cap begins to panic. In order to calm herself, she repeats the three steps that Norbert outlined: "ONE: Get in, TWO: Get it, THREE: Get out." She finds the diary, but where is Norbert? And what is the flickering light at the neighbor's house across the street? The two sleuths have stumbled upon a mystery in their own neighborhood. As they try to unravel the clues, Norbert and Mad Cap have some close encounters with a missing butcher, an evil cat, and a crazy neighbor. On top of all of this, Mad Cap discovers that her mum is keeping a secret. Black-and-white illustrations add to the appeal. VERDICT While this fast-paced chapter book is reminiscent of the adventures of Judy Moody, some of the language will be out of reach for younger readers. An additional purchase only.-Annette Herbert, F. E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY

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