Member Reviews

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know why I keep requesting graphic novels. They're not really my thing. But, I did think this one was fun and had a pretty good story. I think if you are a graphic novel fan, you will enjoy it.

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Not going to lie, this book was weird. I'm not quite sure if my students would really respond to it, but I know a lot of families from my last job who would. It is just a silly romp of a good time.

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This graphic novel is part mystery and part science lesson for early elementary students. The concept is not as unique as the humor and quirky, goat detective. The dialogue bubbles and captions will introduce the very young to the comic book format. The cartoonish images contain a variety of appealing colors and includes a full-page map of the farm as an added treat. Ideal for those looking for a twist to the classic farm story.
3.5

I read the published book. Thanks to Owl Kids and NetGalley for the e-galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Cute, clever and great illustrations. I like the farm setting and the storyline, I think that it would hold up well with young readers who are interested in animals

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'Farm Crimes! Cracking the Case of the Missing Egg' by Sandra Dumais is an early reader book about a group of farm animals and a smart (?) goat detective.

Hen's egg is missing. All the animals go looking and they decide to enlist the help of dashing dresser, and, sort of, detective Billiam Van Hoof. Hiring this detective leads the animals further from the truth, but the truth is finally uncovered the egg is found, kind of.

This was a pretty silly story and I liked it. The illustrations are fun and remind me of animal stories I read as a youngster. The mystery is not that mysterious, but the goat detective is funny like an eccentric uncle.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Owlkids Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

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In the lines of "What the ladybird heard", this farm mystery for young children will have them laugh at the silliness of everyone involved as they hold the great truth of the case. The drawings are very cute and simple, perfect for little ones, with involving facial expressions and a range of different animals for them to be able to pick their favourite. This means there is something different for each age group: my 2 years old enjoyed the setting, while my 5 years old felt great satisfaction figuring out the truth before it was exposed. The writing is very clear and did not feel like a translation - though it is in prose and not in verses, so not for those looking for more lyrical texts. All in all a very good story to read before bed time, or to start a talk about the cycle of life.

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I received an electronic copy from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
The peaceful barnyard scene is interrupted when Hen starts screaming about her missing egg. The residents summon Inspector Van Hoof. He sends them off looking for clues in a variety of places and they bring back pieces to solve the mystery. Long before the funny conclusion, readers will figure out what happened to the egg and laugh at the antics as a ridiculous theory emerges. In the end, the obvious solution is discovered.
The illustrations capture the animal personalities. Younger readers will laugh throughout as they watch the goat detective assemble the clues and present his theory. Fun read aloud for a family.

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When Hen wakes up to discover that her egg is missing, goat detective Billiam Van Hoof has to investigate. He interviews the other animals and searches for clues, on his search for the missing egg.

I loved the details in the illustrations. All of the animals were wearing clothes. Hen had just woken up and was rushing around, so she was wearing bunny slippers and pearls. The detailed images added to the humour of the story.

Billiam van Hoof wasn’t a very good detective. He found a cracked shell, a feather, and tiny footprints, but he still couldn’t guess what happened. Even though he couldn’t solve the mystery very quickly, young readers will figure out what happened to Hen’s egg.

This is an adorable children’s book.

Thank you Owlkids Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I love the idea of farm animals solving a mystery, especially one that turns out not so nefarious like in this story. Mostly silly with a base level of logic.

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Cute but slight. The plot would make a GREAT picture book! I appreciate that the mystery is sophisticated enough that it’s possible some folks won’t (like the detective) figure it out, but that most kids will, and will get that sense of accomplishment for solving the mystery. I will likely buy this, but can’t help wishing the entire book was the first of a few stories included in one volume—lots of kids will finish it in 15 minutes and be left wanting more.

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Great children's story with lovable characters. It was well written and very enjoyable. My students loved it!

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I read this book with my 9 year old and my 7 year old and we laughed a lot. Our favorite character was: Inspector Von Hoof. He was a hoot. This is geared toward 1-4th grade level. A normal farm day - turns into a whodunnit when Hen discovers that her egg has been stolen. A fun mystery to solve, funny wacky characters, early reader graphic novel.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley all thoughts are my own.

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When the hen’s precious egg goes missing, the barnyard calls Inspector Von Hoof to help solve the crime.

Oh boy, Inspector Von Hoof is quite a piece of work. I have no idea if kids at the target age level will get that this is a spoof on a mystery novel with a bumbling inspector, but adults reading with them should appreciate it. The anthropomorphized animals were bugging me for some reason. It felt like they were unevenly humanized. Like the cow carries her baby on her hip in one scene and wears a dress of cow print, while the dog wears nothing and acts pretty dog-like (though it can also speak). But that’s probably something that won’t register with the target audience (except for that one kid who interrupts story time to point out the factual flaws). The mystery part of this was actually well done even if the inspector missed everything. There are enough clues presented in an order that isn’t at first obvious, but by the time all of them are gathered should be able to be put together by attentive readers so they can also show up Inspector Von Hoof. If you know a little reader who likes farm animals, mysteries, and silliness, hand this to them.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Farm Crimes was just ok. I would give this book to kids who like animals, especially those who solve mysteries!

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A cute, funny story about a bumbling goat detective and the search for a hen's missing egg on the farm! Adults and children will enjoy the mystery and humor of this one. It features fun illustrations and an adorable cast of characters. I would recommend this book for 4-6 year olds.

Thank you NetGalley and Owlkids Books for providing this ARC.

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How fun! A caper for kids! Someone has stolen Hen's egg, and a goat is on the case. This is a very enjoyable read for kids that are ready to advance on to a slightly more difficult read.

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He is actually a terrible detective which is interesting to see it forces you to solve the case. It is a fun non-serious case. I did not guess the culprit.

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A cute, early-reader graphic novel involving a high society goat detective and his farmyard pals. I appreciated that the animals wear clothes and the mystery is one the reader can solve with the clues they discover. There are some good vocabulary words in here; I'd say the book is 2-3rd grade level. The dialogue is cute and made me chuckle.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own, unbiased.

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This was a cute story told in a graphic novel type format. The story of a lost chicken egg and the attempts to find it could definitely be interesting for kids, however, the illustrations seemed to not match up with the story. All the animals are wearing clothing in some way, such as the cow is wearing a cow print tube dress. The clothes were distracting in my opinion and took away from the fun and cleverness of the story.

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An absolutely charming story for young sleuths! Readers will love Billiam Van Hoof (the self-proclaimed “world’s #1 goat detective”) and worry for Hen, whose egg has mysteriously gone missing. Filled with funny characters and goofy gags, Farm Crimes: Cracking the Case of the Missing Egg is a book young readers will want to read again and again.

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