The Mystery of the Missing Mum

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

It's about Jake, who discovers his mum has gone missing. Jake then compiles a list of possible vacation spots for his mum. In this book, Jake is not only looking for his mum, but he is also dealing with bullying at school.

It's a touching story about family and friendship, with a few unexpected twists that lead to a happy ending. I loved it.

A quick, cute and easy read that is full of mystery and gave me all the feels. I fell in love with the characters and I didn't want this book to end.

I love the idea of a mystery children’s book I think the style of the book with unique and kept me entertained. I like the way the clues represented so the reader can feel like they were in the book along with the characters I think it really helps keep the reader engaged. I love that it explores the idea of the child being anxious because this is often something that children feel, but may not know how to express. I also love that the family is described as being imperfect. Such a cute and funny story.

I was immediately drawn to this book as so many of the children I work with are currently loving the doodle-style of books such as Louie Stowell's Loki and also anything with a bit of mystery. The story also really appealed to me and I liked the idea that other characters clearly know more about what's going on than the main character, Jake, does. My only slight issue with the book was the seemingly random bold words. This just felt too much and I didn't feel it really added anything. I did get used to (ignoring) it though and it would in no way put me off from recommending the book to the children in Years 5 and 6 where I work.

Jake discovers his mum has gone missing. Jake then compiles a list of possible places his mum could be - on holiday? In big Tesco? Jake is not only looking for his mum, but he is also dealing with a friend who he feels isn’t really there for him…

It's a touching story about family and friendship, and how both are important - and how neither are perfect.

A quick and easy read that is full of mystery and ends with a tummy full of happy feelings.

This book is so appealing that adults may want to read it, even though it is a children’s title. The illustrations in the cartoon style are delightful and the text is an easy read.

The author’s note lets readers know that Jake’s mum has a mental health condition. It is portrayed in the pages that follow in a sensitive manner. This could lead to some helpful conversation in families.

Jake is a good narrator. I like how he directly addresses the reader and I adore his use of all caps. They let readers key into the feelings of the story.

Will Jake find his mum? How will he go about solving his case? What else will happen to him over the course of the book?

Readers will admire Jake and kudos to him for his resilience. This title is ecommended for young chapter book readers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in November 2022.

I loved this book! It was brilliant. It reminded me of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. If you loved that read this – if you read this and love it, then read that! Children are just remarkable in their thinking, and this book shows what happens when nobody tells a child anything and has to work it out for himself.