Detective Gordon and Buffy are back for another adventure : A case in any case by Ulf Nilsson @geckopress

A case in any case

By Ulf Nilsson

Illustrated by Gitte Spee

ISBN 9781776571093

Gecko Press

 

 

A case in any case is the third book in the Detective Gordon series about a police Toad and his assistant Buffy. However, each book works very well as a stand-alone.

Buffy is in charge of the police station when she hears noises and decides to investigate. However, her investigations need a little help from Detective Gordon who is currently away. I love the relationship between these two loveable characters. They need each other and their friendship is strong and caring. Despite sometimes fumbling over what is right in front of them they do solve their mysterious cases. The humour is subtle but so funny. Love it.

Gorgeous illustrations in soft colours provide a very natural setting for the story. I do love how expressive the eyes are in the pictures and bringing out the characters personalities. 

Great series for those newly independent readers on their first chapter books but equally great as a read-aloud.

Detective Gordon: A Complicated Case by Ulf Nilsson @geckopress another mystery for Detective Gordon and Buffy to solve

Detective Gordon: A complicated case

By Ulf Nilsson

ISBN 9781776570652

Gecko Press 2016

This is the second book about Detective Gordon and Buffy. They work together as police detectives solving mysteries and eating lots of cake. They are also best of friends and this shows through in the way they talk to each other and support each other. While the first book may have seen their introduction, this second book deals with their growing friendship and Buffy’s growing confidence to do the job she is assigned, often learning to trust her own judgement and take the initiative. It is lovely to see characters grow. Even through moments of fear both characters continue to be brave and remain true to each other and their jobs. It is a warm, honest story and a delight to read.

There is something not right in their forest and investigations lead them to many cases of bullying. It is up to Detective Gordon and Buffy to find out who is doing what and why, but no one is willing to talk. Buffy has her own little secret but as always, Detective Gordon is there to help and he does so without any judgement or criticism.  Newly independent readers will love this first chapter book.  Short chapters and beautiful illustrations make this ideal for children to gain confidence in their reading. The humour is quite delightful. Watch out for the ending and the smile on Buffy’s face.

Bullying happens in most schools and there are always two sides to a story and while this may seem a simple story to read (and it is), it is also a very worthwhile read-aloud for teachers to use in class. While bullying isn’t the overall theme, it is a chance to recognize it’s effects and for teachers to open up discussion with their students.

Teacher notes can be found here.

 

Detective Gordon : The first case by Ulf Nilsson illus by Gitte Spee @geckopress Charming new mystery book for children aged 7 up

Detective Gordon : The first case

By Ulf Nilsson

Illustrated by Gitte Spee

ISBN 978192721506

Gecko Press

What an utterly charming book!

Detective Gordon is a rather over weight toad who loves nothing better than eating cakes, drinking tea and stamping important papers. However, he is suddenly faced with a mystery when squirrel comes rushing in to declare that someone has stolen his stash of nuts. He soon thinks he has the culprit but instead it turns out he has caught a rather lonely, hungry and nameless mouse whom he takes under his wing, makes her his assistant and bestows upon her a name. Together they stand in the freezing cold, watching and waiting for clues which could lead them to the real thieves. I love how Detective Gordon and his new assistant become friends, their relationship taking on as much importance as the theft of the nuts.

I can see why Ulf Nilsson is an award winning writer. His words flow naturally.

   “The squirrel started to cry. Tears rolled down his soft cheeks where they immediately froze to ice  Small pearls fell to the ground”

The illustrations are also gorgeous. Just look at the cover and the expressions on the faces of the two main characters.

This is a great chapter book for newly independent readers aged 7 – 9. I think it would be equally as wonderful as a read-aloud by parents or teachers.

I certainly hope that there are more books about Detective Gordon and Buffy his new side-kick. I would love to see what other mysteries they can solve.

Once again Gecko Press have produced a quality book.