The Case from Outer Space

May 1, 2017

Gr 1-4-Jigsaw Jones is back! Preller's puzzle-solving second grader returns for his first mystery in 10 years, coinciding with the republication of four original "Jigsaw Jones" mysteries. Fans of the 32-book series will be happy to once more see Jigsaw, fellow detective Mila Yeh, teacher Mrs. Gleason, and other familiar friends. Here, classmates Joey and Danika find a mysterious note in a book they borrowed from a neighbor's Little Free Library. They are convinced it means that aliens are coming. Jigsaw and his friends spend afternoons investigating the mystery, while during the school day, they learn about the solar system. Then they catch the bus home, where they are involved in stakeouts, neighborhood canvasses, and code-breaking. As usual, Preller brings the threads together in the end. He references other real-world titles (Marjorie Weinman Sharmat's "Nate the Great"; David A. Kelly's "Ballpark Mysteries"; Richard and Florence Atwater's Mr. Popper's Penguins), includes a secret code (a "Substitution Code" this time), and incorporates deductive reasoning, allusions, and similes. Jigsaw has the same droll sense of humor longtime fans will remember ("As a cook, I'm pretty good with a toaster."). VERDICT Those who enjoy Preller's works for younger readers will welcome the return of Jigsaw Jones. Highly recommended, especially for devotees of series such as David A. Adler's "Cam Jansen," Ron Roy's "A to Z Mysteries" and "Calendar Mysteries," and, of course, Marjorie Weinman Sharmat's "Nate the Great."-Gina Petrie, Catawba College Library, NC

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2017
Grades 2-4 Junior detectives Jigsaw Jones and his friend Mila take on a new case after two classmates discover space-alien-related clues in their neighbor's Little Free Library. When their teacher starts dropping hints about a special visitor from far, far away, the stage is set for the big reveal at the book's end. The story rambles a bit in a completely amiable manner, but this isn't the sort of mystery that readers are expected to solve by examining the clues and deducing the improbable but inevitable solution. Fortunately, it is the sort of mystery that will please Jigsaw Jones fans, who know they can count on the series for likable characters and a bit of a challenge here and there. For example, when Mila passes an encoded note to Jigsaw, he explains the substitution cipher she used, and then lets readers decode it on their own. With short sentences, bits of humor, and engaging illustrations, the latest early chapter book in Preller's long-running Jigsaw Jones Mystery series has plenty of appeal for young independent readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)