Mystery of the Missing Fox

February 15, 2016
In this third whodunit, Cooper wonders: who is poaching the fox kits from their den? There's lots of action, good and bad, going on at the Wilder Family Campground. Their campground is about to get big-time publicity when it's featured on a reality TV show whose starring family will vacation there. But Cooper's dad has a serious accident while felling a tree, and Cooper feels responsible. He wasn't there to help him--instead, he was watching five fox kits emerge from their den with his friend Summer. When word spreads that the Wilders need help readying the camp, Cooper's friends, including Packrat, arrive to pitch in. But they soon notice that the kits are disappearing, one by one. Suspects emerge: the harrumphing Cat Lady who blames the disappearance of her cat on a fox, and another camper, Vern, who carries a raven on his shoulder. And, why is Summer so secretive about the art her father is creating? Wight neatly develops likable, quirky characters, and she artfully weaves in a host of kid-magnet subjects: zip lines, water fights, three-legged frogs, and uber-stinky sneakers. Readers will love the hilarious, heart-pounding scene when the mystery is resolved--as well as the charming denouement. DiRocco's fine illustrations heighten the book's appeal, though they reveal the cast to be a largely white one. Young detectives will be charmed by the whole kit and caboodle. (Mystery. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 1, 2016

Gr 4-7-A reality TV crew is coming to the Wilder Family Campground a week prior to the opening of camping season. Cooper Wilder helps but becomes distracted, resulting in his father getting injured. The neighbors come out and help them get the grounds ready for their close-up. Amid all of this, a litter of fox kits are slowly being stolen from the Wilder Family Campground. Cooper and his friends Packrat and Roy take it upon themselves to seek out the fox thieves. The dialogue among the youthful cast of characters is realistic and will be relatable to many readers. Full-page and spot illustrations are sprinkled throughout the text. Those new to the Wilders will be able to pick up the story with no problem.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.