Murilla Gorilla and the Hammock Problem
(Murilla Gorilla #3)

PreS-Gr 3--Jungle detective Murilla Gorilla is back in this charming new story. When she heads to the Mango Market to fill her empty fridge, Murilla is immediately sent to Okapi's hammock stall to investigate a mysterious hole in one of his hammocks. Using items from her detective backpack (a notebook, magnifying glass, and fish disguise), Murilla discovers the culprit (no spoilers here). She is so tired from the work that she nearly goes home without any groceries, but her grumbling tummy reminds her of her original task. This story has short chapters with appropriate vocabulary and plenty of low-key humor. Lee's illustrations weave in and out of the text but also take up entire pages. As in the other books in this series, the images continue to be the perfect accompaniment to the text, with their soft colors, easily readable expressions, and humorous touches. This lively, easy mystery will engage independent readers and work nicely as a read-aloud.--Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH