Ducktective Quack and the Cake Crime Wave by Claire Freedman and Mike Byrne - reviewed by Damian Harvey

I love a picture book that will appeal to older readers (and listeners) and Ducktective Quack and the Cake Crime Wave will do just that. Claire Freedman's rhyming text works well and keeps the story moving along nicely and is perfectly complimented by Mike Byrne's detailed, witty illustrations which give the reader plenty to look at.

There's a thief in town - someone has been steeling cakes and doughnuts from the cafe's - and it's up to Ducktective Quack to get to the bottom of it. What makes this book work well is the fact that the reader is encouraged to get involved and help Ducktective Quack in her investigations by spotting the clues.

At the Police Station there is already a board full of evidence and clues that Ducktective Quack has gathered but as the book progresses, the reader is presented with more clues and red herrings hidden on every page. Along with the clues are little notes to encourage the reader to think about what they have seen as they try to find out who is responsible for the cake crime wave.

The first reading of this book (and solving of the crime) will undoubtedly provide children with the most entertainment, however, the text is good enough to stand many re reads and each page is so full of detail that children will undoubtedly enjoy going over it time and time again.  

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