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Chet Gecko Mystery #4
The Big Nap: A Chet Gecko Mystery
Is it just Chet, or is everyone acting just a little bit strange ?
One by one, the students at Emerson Hicky Elementary are becoming mindless goody-goodies. No one talks in class, no one complains about homework--heck, the line to clean the chalkboard erasers is out the door! Everyone is acting like . . . well, a zombie.
Chet loves a good nap--but this is one he's got to avoid at all costs. Can he save the school? Or will Chet and Natalie be the next in line at the chalkboard?
One by one, the students at Emerson Hicky Elementary are becoming mindless goody-goodies. No one talks in class, no one complains about homework--heck, the line to clean the chalkboard erasers is out the door! Everyone is acting like . . . well, a zombie.
Chet loves a good nap--but this is one he's got to avoid at all costs. Can he save the school? Or will Chet and Natalie be the next in line at the chalkboard?
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
10 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Hale
112 books133 followersA serious book addict, Bruce wanted to be a children's book author since he was in 4th grade (right after he got over wanting to be a pirate, Tarzan, and Daniel Boone). Today he's the author-illustrator of over 70 seriously funny books for kids, so some dreams do come true.
The Malted Falcon, one of his Chet Gecko Mysteries series, was an Edgar Award finalist, and Murder, My Tweet won a Little D Award for Juvenile Humor Writing. Bruce has written everything from picture books and easy readers, to graphic novels and novels.
Bruce's recent Monstertown Mysteries series blends horror and humor, based on his childhood love of monster movies. His other series include Class Pets, about the secret lives of classroom pets, and the forthcoming Outerspace Mystery Pizza Club books, due in 2024.
A Fulbright Scholar (in Storytelling), Bruce is also a popular speaker, both in the U.S. and internationally. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and knuckleheaded dog Riley. When he's not writing or reading, you may find him hiking, kickboxing, or singing with a latin-jazz band called Mezcal Martini.
The Malted Falcon, one of his Chet Gecko Mysteries series, was an Edgar Award finalist, and Murder, My Tweet won a Little D Award for Juvenile Humor Writing. Bruce has written everything from picture books and easy readers, to graphic novels and novels.
Bruce's recent Monstertown Mysteries series blends horror and humor, based on his childhood love of monster movies. His other series include Class Pets, about the secret lives of classroom pets, and the forthcoming Outerspace Mystery Pizza Club books, due in 2024.
A Fulbright Scholar (in Storytelling), Bruce is also a popular speaker, both in the U.S. and internationally. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and knuckleheaded dog Riley. When he's not writing or reading, you may find him hiking, kickboxing, or singing with a latin-jazz band called Mezcal Martini.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 2, 2022
In this Chet Gecko mystery novel, Chet (the hero) learns that his classmates are turning into zombies. With the help of his assistant, Natalie, he finds a rather diabolical plot headed by an unlikely figure -- a father of a classmate. As is common in juvenile novels, Chet is able to stop the madness and save the day with much fanfare.
Well, this book is meant for third/fourth graders, and I have not been one for 16-18 years. But, when I was that age, my mom got this book for me, and I neglected to read it. It became the archetypal "book-on-the-shelf-that-I-never-read," so with my guilty conscience catching up, I finally set aside time to read it when I was 25 years old. So, I did find the book to be rather juvenile, especially with the jokes (e.g., "math class is boring," "cooties," etc.), though there were also references that I would not have understood had I read the book as a kid (e.g., referring to the Vienna Boys choir as exceptional and knowing what a talisman is). I suppose it'd be a good read for kids, and for adults like me, it may take you back to your elementary school days with simpler books. If you fall in the latter category, you can easily knock this book out within an hour or two (it took me more than a month since I had things going on, but it was a quick read nonetheless).
Well, this book is meant for third/fourth graders, and I have not been one for 16-18 years. But, when I was that age, my mom got this book for me, and I neglected to read it. It became the archetypal "book-on-the-shelf-that-I-never-read," so with my guilty conscience catching up, I finally set aside time to read it when I was 25 years old. So, I did find the book to be rather juvenile, especially with the jokes (e.g., "math class is boring," "cooties," etc.), though there were also references that I would not have understood had I read the book as a kid (e.g., referring to the Vienna Boys choir as exceptional and knowing what a talisman is). I suppose it'd be a good read for kids, and for adults like me, it may take you back to your elementary school days with simpler books. If you fall in the latter category, you can easily knock this book out within an hour or two (it took me more than a month since I had things going on, but it was a quick read nonetheless).
August 8, 2009
This was THE book of my childhood-- One of the top three books in my favorite series. It was the one I read most often, and was one of the funniest of the series. Waldo the Furball made his first real appearance after being breifly mentioned in the previous story, and he turned out to be a favorite of mine.
August 9, 2024
Narrator: Jon Cryer
My Reading Speed: 1x
Have I Read The Book Before Listening to the Audio? Yes (though a very long time ago)
Overall Audio Impression:
I used to read the Chet Gecko books back when I was in elementary school & played this one for our drive to our vacation destination for my younger brothers. I forgot just how ridiculous & funny the books could be! XD I loved the narrator’s voice as he gave the book an old-timey private eye feel & there was occasionally mood music for some scenes that added to the fun! As an adult, I could easily figure out who the bad guy was & could see the hints flying past Chet, but as a kid I remember having no idea who it could be. And though this book is part of a series, you can read any of them in any order.
(A few notes for new readers:
all the characters are animals & act like animals though they walk like humans -think Zootopia- so they also eat things animals enjoy -like bug dishes-
the main character (Chet) is a fourth grader)
Favorite scenes:
the admittedly bad jokes
Chet’s constant getting into trouble
things just flying past Chet when it comes to clues
My Reading Speed: 1x
Have I Read The Book Before Listening to the Audio? Yes (though a very long time ago)
Overall Audio Impression:
I used to read the Chet Gecko books back when I was in elementary school & played this one for our drive to our vacation destination for my younger brothers. I forgot just how ridiculous & funny the books could be! XD I loved the narrator’s voice as he gave the book an old-timey private eye feel & there was occasionally mood music for some scenes that added to the fun! As an adult, I could easily figure out who the bad guy was & could see the hints flying past Chet, but as a kid I remember having no idea who it could be. And though this book is part of a series, you can read any of them in any order.
(A few notes for new readers:
all the characters are animals & act like animals though they walk like humans -think Zootopia- so they also eat things animals enjoy -like bug dishes-
the main character (Chet) is a fourth grader)
Favorite scenes:
the admittedly bad jokes
Chet’s constant getting into trouble
things just flying past Chet when it comes to clues
February 16, 2020
Zombies seem to be taking over the school and Chet must find out who is responsible.
This is one where knowing 1940's film noir and jazz works best. Chet's puns are a hoot! What pictures they put in my mind. I love his sidekicks--Natalie and Waldo. All I can say is thank heavens for them both. Chet has to stop thinking he can do it alone. Also this tale gives a timely warning all (adults and kids) should heed. Can't wait to read the next one.
This is one where knowing 1940's film noir and jazz works best. Chet's puns are a hoot! What pictures they put in my mind. I love his sidekicks--Natalie and Waldo. All I can say is thank heavens for them both. Chet has to stop thinking he can do it alone. Also this tale gives a timely warning all (adults and kids) should heed. Can't wait to read the next one.
June 29, 2019
Something, or someone is turning the students of Emerson Hicky Elementary into law abiding, goody-two shoes, zombies. Chet Gecko and his wise cracking partner Natalie Attired are hired to find out who or what is causing this strange happening. Chet Gecko has several possible perps on his radar, but it's going to take more than a hunch to break this mystery.
July 24, 2021
I can't even count how many times I've gotten this book for the kids in my life. Bruce Hale is the quintessential storyteller. When he's in, he's all in - every detail a delight! Constantly entertaining with jokes, jargon and what feels like the true-to-life perspective of a fourth grade lizard detective right out of a Sam Spade mystery!
May 18, 2024
I love how this made me laugh out loud at almost every page turn!
And the plot twist! Oh my!
And the plot twist! Oh my!
January 4, 2014
This is the fourth book in the Chet Gecko Mystery by Bruce Hale. Years ago, we read a few of the books in this series (completely out of order) and both times our girls weren't quite ready for the word play and the style of the storytelling. Each time I decided to wait a couple of years to read another one of the books in the series for our girls to be old enough to get the humor.
Finally, I think they understand at least most of the puns and the hard-boiled detective style of story. They really like the Ace Lacewing picture books, so they understand the concept and are ready for these chapter books.
This was an entertaining story, filled with drama and intrigue and the solution was very interesting, if a bit odd. The anthropomorphized characters are very humorous, and I love the name of Chet's partner, Natalie Attired. We enjoyed listening to Jon Cryer narrate this story on audio CD.
interesting quote:
"Lunch isn't a subject; it's a higher calling." (p. 53)
Finally, I think they understand at least most of the puns and the hard-boiled detective style of story. They really like the Ace Lacewing picture books, so they understand the concept and are ready for these chapter books.
This was an entertaining story, filled with drama and intrigue and the solution was very interesting, if a bit odd. The anthropomorphized characters are very humorous, and I love the name of Chet's partner, Natalie Attired. We enjoyed listening to Jon Cryer narrate this story on audio CD.
interesting quote:
"Lunch isn't a subject; it's a higher calling." (p. 53)
March 13, 2008
Part of his "Chet Gecko Mystery" series, Bruce Hale's book is not only entertaining for kids, but also makes references that older readers will love as well. Hale's protagonist, Chet Gecko, is out to solve another mystery. This time, he has been hired to find out what is turning all of the students at Emerson Hicky Elementary into zombies!
While the detective "jargon" might be slightly confusing to the younger set, it doesn't affect the story's comprehensibility, and the drawings that accompany Chet and his friends' excursions are entertaining and humorous. Additionally, this book hits on many of the games and thoughts that young children sometimes have in a very spot-on manner, making it appropriate even for a younger set, perhaps age 7 onward.
While the detective "jargon" might be slightly confusing to the younger set, it doesn't affect the story's comprehensibility, and the drawings that accompany Chet and his friends' excursions are entertaining and humorous. Additionally, this book hits on many of the games and thoughts that young children sometimes have in a very spot-on manner, making it appropriate even for a younger set, perhaps age 7 onward.
September 8, 2010
Still fun and silly. The audio was great, though I had to read the last two chapters in print as I gave the audio version to a regular patron so he could experience Chet in audio. After 4 books, I'm still willing to hand Chet out. If I continue more with the series, I'll see if things become repetitive or stale. Otherwise, an excellent choice for many readers of many ages.
March 23, 2016
This book is one of a kind!I love everything about it.It was full of humour,suspense and everything a good book has.I also love the "zombie"concept.I'm just at a loss of words but I recommend this to anyone who loves mystery and humour(and mosquito shake).
March 12, 2008
very zombified
October 4, 2009
Loved this and John Cryer reads the audio - so many fabulous puns and it's written in the same style as the old time PI movies. It's great for a family car ride.
Read
September 26, 2010I thought that so far the story is great. They're trying toi see who's taking over the kids at school's minds. I think it's the bully Herman because he's very suspicious for what he is.
October 5, 2010
One of my favorite series as a kid.
April 9, 2016
OOOHHHHHH that was more zombie than I could take really.
August 25, 2014
M: This book is like the funniest.
June 20, 2015
I like the hypnotism!
October 21, 2016
A funny, entry-level mystery appropriate for my 3rd grader. Lots of the puns and jokes went over his head. The writing style is cute and the mystery and clues are good.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews