Wonderful easy reader/chapter book crossover about some funny witches in a style reminiscent of Pratchett and reminds me of Amelia Bedelia at times. I have used this book in readers' advisory interactions in the library and it is a fast favorite of mine. I loved the second book too!

This is the second book in a series, a fact I didn't realize when I started reading it though that quickly became apparent. There are many references to previous events and established relationships and identities are not rehashed. Even so, that was only a minor barrier to understanding. Since this is a beginner chapter book, the plot and writing are pretty straightforward and easy to follow. There is a fair amount of humor, largely based on the multiple meanings for words and the confusion based in homophones. So not only is this a mystery, it could be used to reinforce lessons on grammar. It's a mystery but largely light hearted. There is no danger or serious crime. It's cute and one I would easily recommend to young readers.

A Robin, a Ribbon, and a Lawn Mower is the second illustrated children's mystery by Mark David Smith. Due out 18th Apr 2023 from Owlkids, it's 96 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is an engaging and whimsical mystery for the youngest readers (Lexile 580L). The main characters, a trio of Very Weird Sisters, Glubbifer Hildegurp and Yukmina, and their young friend Jennifer, are finding themselves at loose ends since the sisters are currently without a case to investigate and young Jennifer is on her summer school break.

There's a fair bit of mild wordplay throughout, with one character misinterpreting something one of the other characters says and it being defined in the story. It's a painless and fun way to improve some vocabulary and stretch reading muscles.

The book is illustrated throughout, and the pictures by Kari Rust are appealing and deceptively simple, with small details which invite readers to stop and take a closer look. There are genuinely funny pictures, such as the cat, Graymalkin, going for an emphatically unenthusiastic walk on harness, which will delight and surprise a chuckle.

Four stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or reading circles. With the varied cast of characters, there are nearly limitless possibilities for funny voices when reading.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This was a fun little story perfect for younger readers. The illustrations completely fit with the story and will help children with visualizing some of what is happening in. I especially liked the word play - this is a great book for teaching kids about words that sound and/or are spelled alike but mean different things depending on the context. It's a silly book and one that adults can enjoy along with their children if they are reading together. A definite recommendation for school and/or classroom libraries!

The Weird Sisters books by Mark David Smith are a fun read with lots of twisted words to challenge readers and add to the fun of reading. This book is another silly romp through wonderful illustrations by Kari Rust.

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
The three sisters and Jessica are back for more adventures. They are concerned as business is bad; they have no pet emporium nor mystery solving clients. Jessica tries to cheer them up by finding problems to solve. The four of them venture around town to find vandals and possible thieves. Smith's humor shines through his characters and their actions. He also weaves in new vocabulary without breaking the story line. Mid-elementary level readers will join the fun and feel like they are part of the ridiculous mystery solving.
We get a small hint about book three at the end as well.

I enjoyed The Weird Sisters: A Robin, a Ribbon, and a Lawn Mower. It is funny and unique. The characters are interesting. The Weird Sisters discover the mystery of what happened to the swing. I received a free copy via Netgalley and am voluntarily reviewing.

Kids who are starting to read chapter books and who have a sense of humor will, I think, enjoy this book. At times, it reminded me of Amelia Bedelia as a character would take a word literally and another would explain it. For example, one of the sisters hears the word pump in terms of riding on a swing but thinks of it as used for fixing a flat tire. Kids may well enjoy this verbal play.

The three sisters, admittedly odd, are Hildegurp, Yuckmina and Glubbifer. Just based on this, young readers will know if the book is one that they want to read. These three want to solve mysteries but will they ever find one?

They do indeed find mysteries. One involves the tire swing and another, a missing robin. Fun abounds and, as the publisher, notes that are even hints of Shakespeare here.

The chapters are short and the illustrations are quirky. This is a unique title for those who are learning to read for pleasure.

Witch sisters with good community relationships and a language challenge (think which and witch) have a series of mystery centered adventures.

The Weird Sisters are on a quest to fit in and be liked just like all of us . Their friend Jessica Nibley is out of school for the summer and the four of them and their menagerie of animals work to drum up business for their newly opened Pet Emporium and Detective agency. There is a ton of imagination in this book and I Love that they work in ecology, the environment, recycling and generally being kind and taking care of animals and friends. The illustrations really help to bring the story to life.

Thanks to NetGalley & Owlkids books for an opportunity to read and offer an honest review