Code Dog

by Lois Wickstrom, Janet King (Illustrator)

Timmy, Beth and Arthur want to find the missing 200 year old Time Capsule. But it’s been moved from it’s official burying spot and the only clues to its new whereabouts are in code on a map in their 3rd grade teacher’s freezer. If they find it in time, they'll win $1000. If they don't, they may learn the town's deepest secret.

Genres: Science Fiction, Childrens, Family

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2023

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code Dog is a fun children’s Sci Fi adventure story where three friends decide to find a hidden secret. This 170-page adventure story is geared toward older children in elementary and middle school 8 - 12 years old.
Journey along with Timmy, Beth, and Arthur as they follow the clues to find a 200-year-old time capsule that is missing, and the time is running out. The three friends are on the case, but they aren’t the only ones.
This twisty tale has frozen maps, money on the line, science projects that are incomplete, songs are not written, and a dog who understands Morse code and surprising discoveries are made along the way.
Lois’s writing style is simple to follow and inviting, there are many good thing to learn along the way. Code dog is another unique and charming tale.

[Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timmy, Arthur and Beth are tasked with finding a time capsule that is almost 200 years old by their old favourite teacher, Mrs. Vance. The capsule originally was supposed to be dug up 100 years ago. When the mayor at that time announced it would continue to be buried for another 100 years, Mrs. Vance’s grandmother had it dug up from its original place and buried it elsewhere. Now all they have to go by is an old map and the fading memory of Mrs. Vance. If they find the capsule within a certain time limit, they will get $1000.

Timmy agrees to look after Mrs. Vances dog, Cody, while she is in the hospital. Little did they know that Cody would be a great help to the mission. She can speak in morse code using her tail, she can track, she can even tell you your fortune. This dog can do it all! The trio plus Cody run around town finding clues and codes that seem to bring them around in circles but they are determined. Will the group find the capsule on time?

I have read some of Lois Wickstroms other books geared towards children and every time I find myself wishing they were around when I was a kid. The topics and plots they write are so fun and original and even in my 30s I find myself enjoying most of what Lois writes.

I absolutely loved Cody! She sounded like a giant sweetheart who was too intelligent for her own good. I would have been all for having my fortune told by that cutie!

[Jaimie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was cute once you got into it, but it was a bit all over in the beginning. Give it a chance and get into it some and you will see that it all comes together! Timmy, Beth and Arthur are working on a science project in the woods. A lot of things are going on at once here. Beth is trying to get a soil sample, Arthur is writing a song, and Timmy is looking for a monster in the woods. When they're heading back towards the well, they get a call about their teacher getting surgery and needing someone to watch over her dog. Her dog Cody can wag her tail in Morse code! How cool is that?! Super fun! At the same time their teacher lets them know about a hidden map to a 200 year old time capsule! There are clues on the map, but no X that marks the spot! Deciphering the clues will take time, but they only have a week! If they find it in time they get a $1000 reward, but what they don't know is that it holds a 200 year old secret that someone wants kept quite! Danger follows them and they don't even know it!! Follow these three in their adventure to find a town's treasure. Super cute story and of course I'd recommend it! I'd say this book is good for any child ages 6-12.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about many things, Cody the Code Dog, a town with secrets, a monster in the woods, kids trying to decipher the code and discover the secrets all the while trying to be kids, homework, chores and creating a band. I’m tired just thinking about their adventures!

The beginning half of this story seems to be all over the place. The three friends, Beth, Timmy and Arthur, are all concerned about their own thing. Beth wants to finish the school project, Timmy wonders about the monster in the woods and Arthur wants to just keep writing songs for their band. They don’t really seem to get along as friends do. But then their teacher needs their help in finding the missing time capsule. Luckily there’s a map with clues, however, those clues don’t really make much sense and there are others looking for the capsule, as well.

Cute story with a cute dog and some very interesting characters. While I do love most of this author’s books, this one wasn’t my favorite. Will continue to read the stories from her and look forward to more.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't care if this book was written for kids or adults, I was into it, lol! In this book Timmy, Beth and Arthur are tasked with finding a 200-year-old time capsule that has been moved from its original location and hidden elsewhere. When Mrs. Vance injures herself and requires surgery, she calls on Timmy to take care of Cody, her beloved dog. She also informs Timmy that she has a map to help locate the hidden time capsule and if he can find it in time, he could win the $1000 prize! He only has one week to do it though, so there's a time crunch! Timmy and his friends locate the map in Mrs. Vance's fridge, and they set out on the task to find the missing time capsule. You'll learn lots of interesting things about Cody along the way, like the fact that she knows (and can communicate in) morse code. I always enjoy reading books from Lois Wickstrom, and I think you'll enjoy this exciting chapter book!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom is an intriguing little children’s adventure chapter book. Unlike most of her other books this doesn’t contain any illustrations, but is original and imaginative as I would have expected from Ms. Wickstrom.
As I mentioned above, this is an intriguing adventure with plenty of mystery, action, investigation, suspense, sci-fi elements, a sprinkle of drama, high stakes, a time crunch, lessons, investigation, and a little danger.
When A 200year-old time capsule goes missing and an intriguing map falls into their hands, Timmy, Beth, and Arthur find themselves thrust into an adventure that non of them will soon forget. Add in a special dog named Cody who understands and uses morse code- and this story takes off. What happens makes for a fun read.
It is a much longer story than any of her picture books, so it’s great for reading a chapter or two before bedtime.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Lois Wickstrom!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute kids mystery that will intrigue all ages. You have to stick with it as the beginning is a bit jumpy and has you all over the place, but once Wickstrom hits her stride…you are in it for the long haul. Code Dog is the story of Timmy, Beth, and Arthur as they try to find a 200-year old time capsule so they can win the $1,000 prize. Luckily, Mrs. Vance has a map the kids can use while she is recuperating from surgery and Timmy is caring for Cody, her adored dog. However, along the way, the kids and readers learn that Cody has secrets of her own and may be the key in helping them find the missing time capsule before their time runs out. There is suspense, humor, and friendship. This is a great chapter book for blossoming readers as well as a fantastic read-a-long for bedtime. As always, Wickstrom does a fantastic job of not only telling a wonderful story, but weaving life lessons throughout.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, "Code Dog" by Lois Wickstrom is a thrilling and engaging children's mystery book that will keep young readers entertained from beginning to end. The story follows three adventurous kids as they embark on a mission to find a missing time capsule, using their problem-solving skills to decipher clues and crack codes along the way.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with them and become invested in their quest. The fast-paced plot keeps the reader guessing as the kids race against time to uncover the hidden secrets of their town.

Wickstrom's writing style is clear and engaging, making the story easy to follow for young readers. The inclusion of puzzles and codes adds an interactive element to the book, inviting readers to participate in solving the mystery alongside the main characters.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was a fun read! I do enjoy Lois Wickstrom's books and this is no exception! Code Dog brings in mystery and intrigue and the chapter book is for more ages of 8-12 years..but take my word, the young at heart can enjoy this story as well.

Who would not be intrigued on trying to find a missing 200 year old Time Capsule....as Timmy, Beth and Arthur are on the hunt. Beloved teacher Mrs. Vance is in need of hip surgery and is in a nursing home until she has procedure and asks Timmy to take care of her dog, Cody. But...psstttt..can you keep a secret...Mrs. Vance has something that is valuable and the keep to the missing Time Capsule. Will Timmy, Beth and Arthur along with Cody the dog put the clues together to find the Time Capsule...

Definitely read and find out! Enjoyable read

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code Dog is a children’s chapter book geared towards children between the ages of eight to twelve years of age. It follows the adventures of Timmy, Beth and Arthur as they follow the trail of clues in the hopes of finding a missing 200-year-old time capsule. The three friends get a bit of help from their old teacher, Mrs. Vance who gives them an old map, and her dog, Cody, who has special skills. Cody can tell your fortune, track, and can even speak in morse code through her tail. Timmy, Arthur, and Beth must follow the clues on the map which is a bit tricky because there is no X to mark the spot of where the capsule is located. They only have a limited amount of time to find the capsule if they want to win $1,000. This was an entertaining read with great characters, friendship, a super smart dog, fun, adventure, mystery, clues, codes, and investigation.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom

Code Dog is a super fun children’s mystery/Sci-Fi Adventure that we loved reading. My son and I love reading books by this author. Each one is our favorite but this one he says is his favorite yet. This may be aimed for children ages 8-13 but I think anyone can enjoy this story. Timmy , Beth , and Arthur are all three friends who are looking for a very old time capsule. With the help of Cody the dog who knows morse code. Get ready to be taken on quite the adventure as they try to find the time capsule. If they find it.they could win a thousand dollars. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. We can’t wait to read more from this Author.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book from this talented children’s author. I really enjoy reading her books and I like these longer length books for older children. It’s such a great way to introduce them to longer reads that you can pick up and put down. The sci fi themes was good and would definitely get children’s imaginations going and capture their interest. There’s some very small twists in the story that will definitely get children guessing along with the characters about what might happen next. Great for encouraging children prediction skills! The story is well written and has a great pace to enable children to follow along easily. The characters were relatable and well developed.
Overall a great story for children aged from around 8 up to 12/13 I would say.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regardless if it is one of her younger children picture books or the shorter chapter books for school age children, the author does a great job immersing her readings in a world full of vivid description and imagination. She created imaginative characters that you will not forget! Timmy, Arthur, and Beth are wonderful characters, who are inquisitive and up to help solve a mystery. Of course my favorite was Mrs. Vance’s dog Cody. A sweet and extremely intelligent pup who can talk in Morse code, track, and even tell your fortune! The kids all have to work together to solve a century old mystery within a certain amount of time if they want to win the prize. Definitely a great book for school age children, especially with the puzzles and codes to make it more engaging for readers.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom. This is my favorite children's author and these are for a little older kids around 8-12 years old. Its a fun story about Timmy, Arthur & Ben who have been tasked with finding a time capsule that is over 200 years old. It was originally found 100 years ago and dug up and buried somewhere else. All they have to do is follow the map and they will get $1000 prize. Timmy is looking after someone's dog and the dog Cody ends up being a huge help. She can track, she can tell your fortune and she can even speak in morse code. Will they find the time capsule? This author is so good, she always tells a great story but there are also lessons thrown in. These books are educational and fun!

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love picking up books by this author and sharing them with my kiddos. Even though I’m a tad older than the target audience, I still very much enjoyed going on this adventure! Aiming at the 8–12-year-old audience, I feel that it’s a perfect match because my youngest is 8 and my oldest is 12, and they fell in love with it as soon as we started reading together! The chapters may feel a bit long in the beginning to the younger age range, but all is well once they find their groove. It is fast-paced and takes you on quite the journey through the woods with Beth, Timmy, and Arthur. Cody the dog is there to offer a secret superpower and assist in solving the mystery. I highly recommend this book for any young one in your life, and I bet you’ll enjoy the ride right along with them!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super fun chapter book about Timmy, Beth, and Arthur, three friends who are on the hunt for a 200 year old time capsule. They have a super cool dog named Cody that knows Morse Code. Together the band of friends are on a quest to crack the codes and decipher the map that they've been given.

This is a great book to either read aloud as a family or to have on your shelf for your reader(s)! There is a sci-fi component to this story for added enjoyment! A must have for your personal or school library!

[Anantha Rusum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book from Lois Wickstrom is targeted towards older kids . It is a sci-fi book , where three kids who are working on a science project have to unlock a 200 year old capsule which holds a secret . But then there are forces which do not want the capsule unlocked . So danger is around the corner . It took a while to get into this book , but once the pace is set , it was a breezy read . There’s a dog which wants its tail to signal Morse Code . That was really cool . I had a good time reading the book .

[Crystal Brehant · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read a Lois Wickstrom book before, know you will always go on some sort of adventure. This story follows three kids going on an adventure to find a time capsule to win a prize! One of the kids, Timmy, has to take care of a dog to help out a lady who is injured. Along the way, you'll discover a lot of really cool things about Cody, the dog. This is a really great book for kids starting out reading chapter books. It is very easy to read and follow along with. I also enjoyed it as an adult.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second my kids knew I had a book by this author, we had to read it! They were so excited before we even got to the first page. As always, we were all instantly engaged either the story and the characters and how the author brought them both to life.
What really makes these books so special is the illustrations. They are so vivid and and make it so much easier to imagine everything going on. We spend just as much time looking at then as we do reading the book. This is a really great story and we all enjoyed reading it multiple times.

[Emma Samways · Rating 5 out of 5]

This follows Timmy, Arthur & Beth along with Cody the super smart dog as they look for a lost time capsule. Everyone in the town seems to want to find this time capsule, especially Mr. Dolion who has got a secret that the time capsule will reveal. There's lots of confusing clues along the way and a monster in the woods? They must figure out all the clues and find the time capsule before Mr. Dolion does.
This is a brilliant read, I loved the characters and the super smart dog Cody. I'd highly recommend this one!

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun story! Three children and morse code tapping dog. They are out to solve the mystery of finding the time capsule. I loved the whole premise of the story. The characters are fun and exciting. The story does a great job of grabbing the child's attention. I found myself even engaged. It's a fun family story to read together also. I have enjoyed seeing the author branch out into these chapter books. They are fun, family friendly and so entertaining.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timmy, Beth, Arthur are working on a science project for school. When Timmy gets a call that Mrs Vance fell and needs someone to take care of Cody her dog. Timmy rushes off to get Cody and see Mrs Vance. Mrs Vance tells Timmy that there is a time caspule and $1000 reward, but he only has one week to find it. This was such a great read for anyone! And pretty awesome that Cody knows Morse Code and is a tracker!! Cody is the Goodest dog of them all.

[Alison Risher · Rating 5 out of 5]

With students doing a science project together, what could go wrong? Typical group project dynamics- that’s what! One student doing the work while others can’t be bothered to assist. Will the students become distracted by the side quest of searching for a missing time capsule? Can a special dog that knows Morse Code help them? Will the group learn to work together? My hometown recently celebrated its sesquicentennial, so the time capsule intrigued me.

[Brandy L Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This chapter book is for more ages of 8-12 years, although I think it depends on the child's reading level. It's a lovely adventure of the best friends on a mystery quest to find a time capsule. There's plenty of intrigue to keep the reader turning the page to see what happens next. I liked the dog character. If I had a dog like that when I was a kid, there would be plenty of adventures for sure!

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little mystery book for kids. Keeps you reading and wanting to know what happens the entire time. And a dog that speaks in code? Really cool. The writing was great, suspense and ending were great. Would definitely recommend it to kids getting into reading chapter books. Definitely will be on the look out for more from this author.

[Elisha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom- 5 out of 5 stars

This is a cute kids mystery book. In this book the kids are on the hunt for a 200 year old time capsule that has been moved. The kids have to use their problem solving skills to crack codes and figure out clues. All in all this book was very engaging and easy to follow. I highly recommend this book.

[Melissa Fink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lois Wickstrom has done it again with another children's book. This one is a chapter book. I love how the children's books has imagination and mystery. The world building and characters was well thought of. I really loved the plot of the story. I know this is a children's book, but I enjoyed it myself.

[Natalia Castrejon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a chapter book so I do recommend for an older elementary student. But it is still a great read! I’m on the road for work a lot and I read this book in between pickups and it really kept me entertained.

[AnnaMarie Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Cody, she is the best character in the story, a very unusual dog. Timmy, Beth, and Arthur are great and I grew very attached to them reading this story. I hope to read more about these three. Truly a well-written story that holds your attention.

[Nina Maes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and engaging read with great characters. This author is amazing at grabbing the readers imagination and keeps you interested. Fast paced with a grand adventure. Great induction to chapter books for young readers.