This Gum for Hire: A Chet Gecko Mystery (Chet Gecko Mysteries Series)
- Book Review,
by Bruce Hale
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-The wisecracking fourth grader solves his sixth case. As always, Chet is aided by his mockingbird friend as they attempt to discover why the football players are disappearing just before the big game. Herman, a bulky Gila monster, asks for his help, offering both cake and restraint from bodily harm as payment. Chet and Natalie are forced to go undercover as football player and cheerleader to find the connection between a mysterious stomach ailment, bubble gum, and the water boy who didn't make the team. As in the previous books, Chet's sarcastic wit makes the story a great choice for reluctant older readers who are fans of Jon Scieszka's "Time Warp Trio" series (Viking). The humor makes this a jollier read than E. A. Hass's "Incognito Mosquito" series (Random; o.p.). Younger audiences might miss sophisticated lines such as "You can't play dumber- without a lobotomy." However, anyone will laugh at the slapstick situations. Kids will also appreciate Chet's constant desire for foods such as "greasy horsefly burritos" or "Lice Krispie treats." Black-and-white line drawings appear every few pages, depicting funny animal characters with exaggerated human characteristics.Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MICopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 3-5. Lizard detective Chet Gecko is back in his seventh pun-filled, elementary-school version of the hard-boiled mystery. This time it is nemesis Herman the Gila Monster who needs help. Key members of the school football team have been disappearing, so Chet and bird sidekick, Natalie Attired, enter the world of school sports and uncover an unexpected star player as well as a conspiracy to sabotage the team. It's all over-the-top when it comes to plot and humor, but youngsters who like their mysteries silly will giggle and groan their way through the painful plays on words. Recommend this to kids who enjoyed James Howe's Bunnicula novels. Catherine Andronik
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Book Description
Kidnapped! One by one, the members of Emerson Hicky's football team are disappearing. As far as Chet Gecko is concerned, this is a cause for celebration.
Only trouble is that Chet's old nemesis, Herman the Gila Monster, is the number one suspect, and he wants Chet to clear his (not quite) good name.
Chet and his mockingbird partner, Natalie Attired, must solve the case fast, or Herman will make sure it's their last. But which is more dangerous--Herman . . . or P.E. class?
Card catalog description
To save his own skin, private eye Chet Gecko sets out to solve the mystery of Emerson Hicky Elementary School's disappearing football players.
About the Author
BRUCE HALE is the author of five picture books as well as the Chet Gecko mysteries. A popular speaker, teacher, and storyteller for children and adults, he was awarded a Fulbright grant in 1998 to teach storytelling and to study folklore in Thailand. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.
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