Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Happy Book Birthday, Aven Green Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling!

 

AVEN GREEN SLEUTHING MACHINE
by Dusti Bowling
Illustrated by Gina Perry
Sterling's Children's Books
Chapter Book Mystery
128 pages
ages 6 to 9







Third-grader Aven Green has been solving mysteries for a whole month—cracking such cases as The Mystery of the Cranky Mom. But can this perceptive detective solve two cases at the same time? First her teacher’s lunch bag disappears. Then Aven’s great-grandma’s dog goes missing. Fortunately, since Aven was born without arms, all the “arm” cells went to her super-powered brain instead. (That’s her theory.) This hilarious chapter book showcases a new side to Dusti Bowling’s unforgettable protagonist.


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BOOK BLINK

                                     * Aven Green as present in Bowling's Cactus books
                                     * well done, easy going mystery
                                     * importance of family and friends
                                     * diverse characters


MY TIDBITS

With humor, determination, and a heart in the right place, this third grader is ready to solve any mystery thrown at her.

Third-grader, Aven Green, is a true sleuth, and that already for an entire month. She's solved several cases already and is ready to hit more, but she never expected to head-up two at once. But when her teacher's lunch bag disappears, and then, her great-grandma's dog is no where to be found...well, she has no choice but to double down and find out what's going on.

Aven Green comes from Dusti Bowling's Life of a Cactus books. Unlike these books, which are for upper middle grade/tween readers, this one slides into the chapter book direction and targets a younger audience. Aven Green herself fits the age group well and comes across as a very normal, third grader. She's got a wonderful attitude, deals with situations the best she can, and has an inspiring personality. But then, there's a lovely bunch of family and friends around her. Some of these even expand on the already diverse bunch.

The writing is for those who are very sure of their words but aren't quite ready for full-fledged middle grade novels. The mystery is very fitting to the age group and keeps the twists and turns interesting without leaving the wholesome range. There's a good amount of humor packed in as well. Add the fun illustrations, and this one makes for a fun mix.



And here they are...

The Author...
Dusti Bowling grew up in Scottsdale, AZ, where, as her family will tell you, she always had her nose in a book. Dusti holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Education, but she eventually realized that her true passion was writing. She lives in AZ with her husband and three daughters.

The Illustrator...
Gina Perry graduated from Syracuse University, worked as a compositor in animation, then an art director for a stationery manufacturer, before discovering her true passion—writing and illustrating children's books. She lives with her family in NH.



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