The A Note, a Goat, and a Casserole (The Weird Sisters Detective Agency #1)

Gr 1-3--Meet the Weird Sisters: a trio of wacky witches, along with their cat, who have just moved into the town of Covenly and opened a pet store. Their first customer quickly arrives, a young girl named Jessica, who has lost her pet goat and hopes that her new neighbors may help her track it down. The siblings prepare to help her search, but find an ominous note that implies that their presence is unwelcome in Covenly. What follows is a series of comical miscommunications and clever wordplay, with overarching themes of tolerance, acceptance, and open-mindedness that will have readers laughing out loud as they race to uncover the mysteries. Chapters range from four- to six-pages long and feature whimsical black-and-white illustrations throughout. Back matter includes a recipe for a witch's stew, as well as the announcement of a sequel. The sisters are cued as white. VERDICT This engaging beginner chapter book mystery is a welcome addition to most collections, recommended for fans of series such as "Nate the Great," "The Chicken Squad," and "Inspector Flytrap."--Olivia Gorecke