PreS-Gr 3–Readers join Detective Cluehound, an anthropomorphic hound dog, and his sidekick Sergeant Squirrel for a rollicking Halloween mystery. When a mysterious thief on a broomstick takes off with their bucket of Halloween candy, Detective Cluehound and Sergeant Squirrel are on the case. Their search will lead readers through all the local haunts, including a graveyard and corn maze. The easy-to-follow plot paired with rhyming text makes this a great read aloud for teachers and parents, as well as a good independent read for younger children. With no scary elements, this book is a great option for readers who are easily frightened. Blanco’s strong, bright colors and knack for capturing movement help bring the story to life. The various animals dressed in Halloween costumes will also appeal to animal-loving readers. VERDICT This Halloween story will delight readers, and the surprising (and sweet) end will make it an instant favorite. —School Library Journal
Accompanied by a red squirrel sidekick, Detective Cluehound leads a group of costumed trick-or-treating animals down the street. In the distant sky, a witch silhouetted against the full moon seems part of the seasonal decor. But once the detective returns to the office to relax and enjoy some candy, readers will notice the witch outside the door. She snags Cluehound’s bucket of sweets and flies off into the night. The chase is on! The detective tirelessly tracks the witch and her bright-eyed black cat through a Halloween shop, a creepy forest, a cemetery, a corn maze, and even a circus. Though Cluehound never sees the witch, the squirrel easily spots her in each scene, as will readers—youngsters will enjoy feeling superior to the cheerfully oblivious detective. Blanco’s deft details and fluorescent teal and purple color scheme create a convincingly spooky atmosphere. Cluehound never loses hope, however, and looks discouraged only near the end; heading home in the rain, in a bedraggled trench coat and fedora, Cluehound tromps off defeatedly, with the soggy squirrel in tow. But the resilient Cluehound’s smiling again even before the pair return to the office to find a lovely surprise—and a note from the witch proposing they do it again next year. Readers will be eager to do so. No tricks here—this is a Halloween treat sure to please. (Picture book. 4-8)—Kirkus Reviews
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