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I would like to share a children’s mystery chapter book called Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters. Written by Wendelin Van Draane. I received a physical copy of the book in exchange for this review.
Getting Charlie to read a book is herder than pulling teeth even though he has to read for school. Which is why I was excited to receive Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters. Having a Dog as the main character I knew would catch Charlie’s eye but being about sisters might turn him off because we know girls stink. Or Charlie likes to make us think they do.
I sat the book on my desk and didn’t tell Charlie or David about the book instead I picked it up to read at night when they were watching tv. That night when David and Charlie were watching tv David looked over and asked what I was reading, I showed David the cover of the book with the dog on it. David asked me if the story was actually about a dog. I said yes.
I sat my book down on the table and went to get a drink when I got back David was looking through the book. David saw a couple of the illustrations. David showed the book to Charlie. I went over to the computer and began to work. David put the book back down on the coffee table.
The next thing I knew Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters had disappeared from my desk. Where oh where did my book go… I asked David and he said he didn’t see it. I walked up to Charlie’s room and low and behold it’s sitting on his desk.
I asked Charlie what he was doing with my book and he said reading it of course. I thought I was going to faint because Charlie doesn’t choose to read on is own so I knew this book was a hit not only with me but David and Charlie as well. I must tell you Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters has become our favorite book and we can’t wait to share this story with my nieces and nephews.
About:
“This lighthearted, fast-paced mystery features an endearing canine lead, two fearless kids, and plenty of wordplay, all of which will appeal to young readers. A mystery both gripping and heartwarming. clue-filled riddles and secret passageways, uncover long-lost treasure, and outwit a nasty trio of thieves.
About the book:
Mr. Whiskers is a paw-some new dog detective from an Edgar Award winning author. He’s on the trail of a kidnapped dad, pirate treasure, and a place to call home…
Mr. Whiskers is a street-wise stray dog with a nose for trouble and a fondness for two girls he calls the Shenanigan Sisters. So when Misty and Zelda’s professor father is kidnapped, Mr. Whiskers follows that car, picking up vital clues.
Then the two intrepid girls and one great dog follow the trail through the streets of San Francisco, discovering hidden passageways, buried secrets, and even pirate treasure.
But will they be able to rescue Dad? You bet your best biscuit, they will!
Wendelin Van Draanen’s new mystery is the ulti-mutt kid-pleasing caper.
About the author:
Wendelin Van Draanen (“Van Draw-nen”) has written more than thirty novels for suitable for young readers to adults. She is the author of the 18-book Edgar-winning Sammy Keyes mystery series, and wrote Flipped which was named a Top 100 Children’s Novel for the 21st Century by SLJ and became a Warner Brothers feature film.
Her latest novel, The Peach Rebellion, is suitable for teens and adults. It is the story of three young women from very different backgrounds who collide, then forge a partnership that shocks their families but unites their community.
Her book for teen and adult writers, Hope in the Mail, is part writing guide, part memoir, and is designed to encourage aspiring writers to “dream big, work hard, and not give up.”
Her other stand-alone titles include Wild Bird, The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones, Runaway, Confessions of a Serial Kisser, Swear to Howdy, and The Running Dream which was awarded ALA’s Schneider Family Award for its portrayal of the disability experience.
Van Draanen has also created two four-book series for younger readers. The Shredderman books–featuring a boy who deals with a bully and adapted by Nickelodeon as a TV movie–received the Christopher Award for “affirming the highest values of the human spirit,” and The Gecko & Sticky books, which are fun read-alouds, perfect for reluctant readers.
Van Draanen has two STEM-based picture books, a MG novel, and a graphic novel for Flipped all in the works for 2023 & 2024.
A classroom teacher for fifteen years, Van Draanen is married to Mark H. Parsons, also an author (Road Rash, The 9:09 Project). They have two sons. Find her on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter at @WendelinVanD
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
