K-Gr 3–Young cousins come together for detective work to solve a puzzling mystery during a holiday gathering celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. Just as the cousins begin playing their favorite game, they notice a mooncake is missing from the box that Mina brought. Luna, with tan skin and brown hair, dons oversized detective-like clothing to tackle an investigation into the pilfered pastry. Luna and Mina insightfully eliminate possible suspects and search for proof through clues that are cleverly placed into the story’s framework through the illustrations. As the plot unfolds, readers also become detectives, and the probability of discovering the yummy holiday food staple and after-dinner dessert is crucial to recovering the treat. Imagination along with a well-crafted scenario create a palpable mystery that is quite palatable, as readers crave the suspense from page to page while attempting to link clues to solve the mystery. Luna’s diverse family includes grown-ups, siblings, and cousins with various hair colors and skin tones. Combining witty plot development and humor raveled with clues embedded inside the illustrations, this story encourages young mystery lovers to learn to develop assessments, make informed decisions, and collaborate with others. VERDICT This joyful whodunit encourages critical and analytical thinking, as well as problem-solving skills and awareness using a recognizable extended family structural setting.
—School Library Journal
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