The Case of Hermie the Missing Hamster (Book)

Preller, J. (1998). The case of Hermie the missing hamster. New York, NY: Scholastic.

Interest Level: Ages 7 to 10
Genre: Mystery, Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Pets, Detectives, Second Graders

Plot: Jigsaw Jones and his best friend Mila are hired to find Wingnut's missing pet hamster, Hermie.  First they search for information about Hamsters in books and by asking an expert aka a pet store worker.  Then they search the crime scene aka Wingnut's bedroom.  They make sure to write down all the clues and facts that they come across.  Finally using Mila as a human hamster detector and a little brain power, they manage to find the missing hamster as well as an extra surprise.

Personal Thoughts: This book is a quick an easy read.  The book supports children searching for answers to questions on their own, rather then being given all the answers.  For example the children's teacher has the children think of the answers to their own questions and search the phone book on their own.  The book is also filled with some basic facts about hamsters and snakes.  Jigsaw and Mila trade notes using a number code which is a great way to encourage children to copy them or think up their own codes.  A good book for younger or relucant readers.

Series Info: Book One of the Jigsaw Jones Mystery Series
Sequel: The Case of the Christmas Snowman

Author Website: http://www.jamespreller.com/

Other Books by the Author: Bystander (2009); Six Innings: A Game in the Life (2008); Justin Fisher Declares War (2010);