The elementary school at Acorn Valley holds an art fundraiser to help local animals whose homes were lost due to natural disasters. Four famous local artists--Claude Monet Mongoose, Georgia O'Giraffe, Vincent Van Goat and Pablo Picasso Peacock--have generously donated their weather-themed paintings for a charity auction. But a monkey wrench is thrown into the proceedings when distinguished Gila monster Dr. Ced E. Meant discovers, in a presentation at the Metropolitan Museum before the event, that his invaluable research has been stolen! His findings are so important that they cannot be leaked to the world at large! Meanwhile, more mysterious and fishy things are going on at the art auction, which Detectives Nut and Bill are determined to unravel. Geared for older children (and appealing enough for adults), this third entry in the series once again paints a delightful world of animal protagonists--teachers, scientists, etc.--using colorful illustrations with the lively black-and-white cartoons of Karwoski. Each of the animals--garbed like humans--has personality to spare, and they make amusing references to bills, hooves and tails. A genuinely crafty, complex mystery (including secret panels, art theft and characters who aren't as they appear) combines seamlessly with info about weather and art.
Renee Hand is a multi award-winning author and requested speaker on the topic of using fun fiction to teach science, geography and history. Let her show librarians, educators, and parents how using her books can not only challenge readers and the way they think about problems in real life, but she creates high interest topics that suck the reader into her stories encouraging them into wanting to know more about the settings, science, history, culture and people. Skills like reading comprehension, reasoning, deduction and observation come together in a myriad of ways.
In her Crypto-Caper Series children get to solve puzzles and cryptograms that are woven strategically inside of the story for the reader to find and solve inside of the books. Each book provides the reader with what they will need to solve the case, providing them with the knowledge and new skills that will help them succeed.
In her Joe-Joe Nut Series, Renee expertly combines the love of a good mystery with science using the topics of animal tracks, rocks and minerals, as well as weathering, erosion, and art. These books can supplement a curriculum in any classroom. The books also contain extra information like experiments, terminology of the topic, charts, and much more. All books are interactive and fun.
Renee is a maverick in writing children's interactive mysteries, combining elements while teaching children to believe in themselves and providing confidence to handle life's challenges. Contact her today to participate in your event.
The adventures of Joe Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill - Case 3 The Secret of the Missing Arch by Renee Hand. When reviewing a children's book, I expect a humorous and or charming read, which captures a child's imagination and makes them want to seek out more. This little book exceeds expect ions. Stolen research and paintings of the National Park go missing and we find Joe Joe and Biscuit investigating with madcap style. The author has crafted delightfully unique animal characters In situations which seem to effortlessly come to life. This is a beautifully written, exciting and informative tale designed to entertain, engage and challenge a child to seek out more information in regard to sections of interest, of which there are many - science, art, and social issues being among my favourites. The story progresses briskly to a very satisfying conclusion and the action doesn't stop there. There are fun facts and activities at the back of the book including a section regarding real-life artists referenced, weather info, and 'How to make a volcano'. Every family should have a copy of this one!
The elementary school at Acorn Valley holds an art fundraiser to help local animals whose homes were lost due to natural disasters. Four famous local artists--Claude Monet Mongoose, Georgia O'Giraffe, Vincent Van Goat and Pablo Picasso Peacock--have generously donated their weather-themed paintings for a charity auction. But a monkey wrench is thrown into the proceedings when distinguished Gila monster Dr. Ced E. Meant discovers, in a presentation at the Metropolitan Museum before the event, that his invaluable research has been stolen! His findings are so important that they cannot be leaked to the world at large! Meanwhile, more mysterious and fishy things are going on at the art auction, which Detectives Nut and Bill are determined to unravel. Geared for older children (and appealing enough for adults), this third entry in the series once again paints a delightful world of animal protagonists--teachers, scientists, etc.--using colorful illustrations with the lively black-and-white cartoons of Karwoski. Each of the animals--garbed like humans--has personality to spare, and they make amusing references to bills, hooves and tails. A genuinely crafty, complex mystery (including secret panels, art theft and characters who aren't as they appear) combines seamlessly with info about weather and art.
About the Author:
Renee Hand writes because it is a passion in her heart. She likes to create books that educate and inspire the children of today. She was born in Michigan and still lives there with her husband and two children. She has a degree in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry. Renee is the author of the amazing mystery series known as the Crypto-Capers Series that encourages children to read by incorporating several topics of interest. The reader participates into the story by solving cryptograms and puzzles to solve the case. She is also the author of the Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Adventure Series, which focuses on animal detectives. This series is a great way to teach children about animals in a fun and interesting way that captures the reader's attention and yet fills them with knowledge they will be learning about in school. All books are great to use in a classroom setting to supplement various topics or to just enjoy. Renee is an award-winning author, receiving awards such as a Best Book Award, a National Literary Award, Seal of Excellence Award and two Preferred Choice Awards for her children's series and adult books. Visit the author's website at www.reneeahand.com to learn about cryptograms and how to solve the ones that are in the books.
My Review:
If you are on the lookout for a chapter, for your not so new to it reader, then I have got one for you. The chapters evenly laid out. So your child should have absolutely no trouble reading all about Joe Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill. The beginning of the story begins with Dr. Ced, a Gila Monster giving a speech about his new discovery . He has been doing research for many years on erosion. His research has led to some top secret discoveries and the information that he held to be top secret apparently someone wanted because his files on these secrets comes up missing.
Come along with the author as she takes you and your child along for the ride to see just what this mystery is all about.
**Disclosure** This book was provided to me free of charge by the author for my honest review.
I basically received a free copy of this book through a giveaway by the author on an internet site. The following is my honest opinion for the book.
Renee Hand has done a superb job in animalizing her “human” characters which aids children in wanting to read the book by making it more interesting by grabbing their attention. The author in the course of writing this book, has stealthily made it a learning experience as well for its young readers with not only explanations during the course of the storyline but in the glossary contained at the back of the book. It’s here the author not only gives some additional scientific information regarding the weather, and experiments parents can do with their children, but gives a brief biography of the real artists represented in the book by its animal characters.
As you follow Joe-Joe Nut and his ever-close companion, Biscuit Bill; those familiar with Sherlock Holmes, can’t but notice a close resemblance with regards to their investigative techniques as they zero in on the final solution and the ultimate secret of the missing arch. And as the famed fictional sleuth would say, “When you eliminate all other possibilities; what remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth [answer].”
To aid its young readers in enjoying the book even more are the vivid descriptions written by the author and the wonderful illustrations done by Jake Karwoski.
Considering all the various elements this book contains, I can’t but give this book 5 STARS. Hopefully in the future I’ll get to read more of this author’s creative endeavors.
Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of “I Kissed a Ghost,” a MG/YA Paranormal romance novel as well as the author of "Micro Fiction - An Anthology."
If you are looking for a book that your youngster will have no trouble reading, this is the book. Joe Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill begins with a speech from Dr. Ced, a Gila Monster. He's talking about his new discovery. He does research on erosion and has been for many years. Some of his research has begun to be top secret. Someone wanted this top secret info. His files are disappearing. This book is set in Acorn Valley with Georgia O'Giraffe, Clade Mon-goose, Vincent Van Goat and Pablo Picasso Peacock.. A fast moving mystery with a story on weather, erosion, art, terminology and friendship. The illustrator, Jake Karwoski did a wonderful job with the beautiful pictures. This book is geared for the young and the young at heart. It's a fantastic book for everyone.
I would give this book 4 Stars.
I received this complimentary copy from the author, Renee Hand for this unbiased review.
THE ADVENTURES OF JOE-JOE NUT & BISCUIT BILL: CASE #3: THE SECRET OF THE MISSING ARCH by Renee Hand,illustrated by Jake Karwoski is an adventurous children's book set in Acorn Valley. Follow, Clade Monet Mon-goose,Georgia O'Giraffe,Vincent Van Goat,and Pablo Picasso Peacock,artist who attend a fundraising auction at an elementary school. Detectives Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill is called in when some documents go missing. A story on weather,erosion,art,terminology and friendship. Did I mention an experiment or two. A fast paced mystery,with beautiful illustrations. A wonderful story! Old and young alike will enjoy "The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut & Biscuit Bill". A must read! Received for an honest review from the author.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: NONE
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, (Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More)
This was a well-written, well edited story with enough description of the characters that you felt you not only knew them, but also had an idea of what type of animal they all were. The story was a light, relatively easy read, but it was still complex enough that the end was an actual surprise rather than a forgone conclusion. The addition of information about how canyons are formed and the weather was actually entertaining and educational to read, rather than being heavy handed. Ultimately, the story was a very successful, unique piece of fiction, and an entertaining, educational read. It is the type of story that either adults or children could enjoy, and most certainly a story that could be easily read aloud. Over-all, it was a very good book, and I hope the author continues writing more. I actually liked it so much I bought a second copy as a gift for a friend. :-)
While mixing the subjects of science, art, history and weather, this story also entices the reader with a mystery and wonderful animal characters. It begins a theft of important research, and then another theft that ties into the first one.
I found this to be a very entertaining and educational read not only for children but for adults as well. Ms. Hand has done an excellent job of creating fun and lively characters. I loved the way she mixed up the different subjects that teaches the reader as well as entertains them. The end of the chapter information was a happy and welcoming surprise.
This is a well-written book with well-rounded characters and mysteriously suspenseful.
This book was more than an adventure of Joe-Joe and Biscuit. There are plenty of educational elements about nature to interest adults as well. It kept my interest from start to finish, and didn't give away who the thief was until the end. Joe Joe and Bill had their hands full trying to decipher the clues and solve the crime in the nick of time. What I enjoyed most about the story were the vivid descriptions of the landscape and the acts of nature. All were easy to picture. Definitely a story for children to read to be entertained and learn at the same time.
I liked this enough to recommend it to the 4th grade teacher at the school at which I volunteer. Renee Hand does an excellent job creating an entertaining read that entices the interest of children on a variety of subjects - art, science, weather.