Whiffy Newton in the Riddle of the Two-Tone Trousers by Rebecca Lim
OK so the title says it all. It may not be the longest title of any book I have read, but pretty close. This second book in a new series of detective stories for children was lovely and funny.
Whiffy Newton has noticed that trousers in the neighborhood are being stolen and then returned, altered. Actually they are cut in half and sewn back together. It appears no one is safe. Even Whiffy’s favourite tracky dacks get taken. Can Whiffy get to the bottom of the mystery? (Pun intended).
This is a series that will certainly appeal to those kids in primary school who absolutely adore Captain Underpants and all those other books that just venture over the boundary normally drawn around children’s literature. It is not a book of great literary worth. Turn the brain off and get ready to enjoy some silliness as you read any of the books in this series.
July 24th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
As a primary school teacher , I think these books are an excellent read for the target audience — particularly for young boys who are not usually interested in books.
I’m not too sure about the comment “Not of great literary worth”, because it takes an idea and well written prose like Whiffy Newton to encourage a new generation of readers. I’m sure the literary worthiness of the books will be recognised by the mothers and fathers of the kids who decide to spend time reading them rather than watch TV. And, if any young reader gets any enjoyment from the books (which I have seen first hand), then the books will be worthier in their eyes than James Joyce’s literary masterpiece “Ulysses”. It might even encourage them to read Joyce’s masterpiece in 10 years time!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Thanks Bob.
Actually I agree with your comments. Reading for enjoyment is absolutely paramount. That is why I approved this book for inclusion on the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge reading list.
Readers need to read lots. As they gain experience their critical skills will grow and they will move from Whiffy Newton to Ulysses.