The 3-2-3 Detective Agency in the Disappearance of Dave Warthog

Friends are made and found in the 3-2-3 Detective's debut graphic novel, intended for readers ages 4–8. After a chance meting aboard a train to Whiska City, Jenny the donkey, Roger the dung beetle, Priscilla the penguin, Slingshot the sloth and Bluebell the beetle team up to form an unlikely band of crime fighters. They must soon learn to use their unique talents and work together to solve a rash of disappearances linked to a suspicious beauty salon. What follows is an old-fashioned crime caper that leads the fledgling detectives into a sticky situation. The characters are frank in their approach and realize that working together is the best way to solve problems. Robinson, creator of The Useful Moose: A Truthful, Moose-full Tale , has a fresh and honest sense of humor, which she blends with values of friendship and kindness. Her art is simplified and colorful, almost like a child's experiment with a coloring book, and endearing. (Aug.)