Shelby & Watts

Gr 1--3--The first book in a planned graphic novel series centered on best friends who solve environmental-themed mysteries. Shelby the fox fancies herself a budding amateur detective, the result of an intense "Detective Dahlia" series obsession; facts-oriented Watts the badger, on the other hand, looks forward to new volumes of the Encyclopedia of the World. When Mary the mail pug delivers a plea for assistance from Fred the hermit crab, Shelby and Watts travel to the seashore to figure out why seashells--which hermit crabs rely on for protection--are disappearing. Identifying the culprit will take ingenuity, deductive reasoning, and insight; luckily, our heroes are up to the task. The short narrative sets out to accomplish a lot--introducing Shelby and Watts, walking readers through the seashore mystery, and briefly setting up the environmental detective agency that is the premise of presumed future works. Colorful, minimalistic cartoons will connect best with younger audiences. However, despite the inviting illustrations, uneven pacing and tone, and an overreliance on scientific facts result in an uninspired story. Younger readers unfamiliar with the seashore might overlook the oversimplified mystery in favor of the information that Anstee provides on seagulls, barnacles, and other marine life. Many kids will find the tale tedious due to the obvious identity of the seashell culprit. Not even the amusing Sherlock Holmes allusions can elevate this chapter graphic novel. VERDICT Promising concept, disappointing execution. An additional purchase.--Pearl Derlaga, York County P.L., VA

Beachcombers and shell seekers, gather 'round and meet Shelby and Watts, Planetary Investigators. When Fred the hermit crab can't find a new, larger shell to move into, he seeks out the "brilliant brains" of Shelby and Watts. Shelby, a fox, is the detective in the duo, and Watts, a badger, loves facts, adding simple fun ones--about hermit crabs, tides, tide-pool dwellers, how shells are used, etc.--throughout the story. Watts also loves to catalog clues in his notebook. In fact, the first mystery that Shelby solves is that of Watts' lost notebook. Young readers can watch Shelby investigate, solve, and explain her deductive process, all while learning to carefully examine all the details in each graphic panel. Once the missing shells are found, it's "time for the hermit crab shuffle," in which the members of a colony of hermit crabs all line up and trade up to larger homes. Final pages include "Earth-Saving Tips from Shelby & Watts," such as taking pictures of shells instead of collecting them, eating seafood from sustainable sources, and cleaning up the beach. The seven chapters are of varying length, but with several one-panel pages and many pages with low word count, the book is shorter than it appears, which should be a confidence boost for young readers. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Models attention to detail and deductive reasoning in a fun beach setting, complete with interesting facts. (Graphic early reader/mystery. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.