The Underdogs Catch a Cat Burglar (The Underdogs #1)

The Underdog Detective Agency’s dogged feline employee seeks the cat burglar nicking everything from “handbags to ham sandwiches” in this punny chapter book debut from married collaborators the Temples. Being a cat in Dogtown won’t keep Fang, a one-eyed feline with a kink in her tail, from succeeding—even if her upbringing has already found her less than keen at barking, chasing “the same stupid ball,” and whizzing against trees. Ill-suited to life as a sheep herder, sled dog, or “official butt sniffer,” Fang sees a help wanted ad from the Underdog Detective Agency (“no clue left undug”) and, as the only applicant, lands the gig. With Barkley, a German shepherd sporting Sam Spade attire, gadget-minded dalmatian Dr. Spots, and receptionist Carl, a Hawaiian shirt–wearing Chihuahua, Fang works to crack the case, which would be the Underdogs’ first win in years. Mayhem follows as Fang and Barkley race their archrivals, the Weimaraner siblings at Top Dog Detectives, to catch the cat burglar red-pawed. Nonstop wordplay and comic resilience prove winning in this quirky, quick-moving mystery, shown in Gordon’s animated b&w illustrations, that will have readers rooting for the Underdogs. Ages 6–9. (Sept.)