Encyclopedia Brown Solves Them All: 2

Encyclopedia Brown #5

by Donald J. Sobol, Leonard W. Shortall (Illustrator), Lillian Brandi (Illustrator)

A clown accused of robbery...A mutt maimed by an armed gardener...A pig-shaped teapot...A Cupid who shoots expensive arrows...And a muscle-building tonic that shrinks your pockets! These are just some of the ten brian-twisting mysteries that Encyclopedia Brown must solve by using his famous computerlike brain. Try to crack the cases along with him -you'll find the answers to all the mysteries of the back of the book!

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Chapter Books, Young Adult, Short Stories

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Donald J. Sobol was an award-winning writer best known for his children's books, especially the Encyclopedia Brown mystery series. Mr. Sobol passed away in July of 2012.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neo and I finished the fifth collection of Encyclopedia Brown mysteries. These stories shine a spotlight on Encyclopedia, the ten year-old super detective, and those close to him in action as they solve crimes and expose all the criminals of Idaville, USA. In this collection, Encyclopedia looks into a rival detective trying to steal his thunder, a robbery in a back alley, and even a pet with a bullet wound. These five-minute mysteries are perfect for rainy days, road trips, or any time there is a lull. Neo and I found them perfect for a before bedtime stumping, though we are getting better at solving them. Great reading for people of all ages, particularly those who are closet sleuths.

Neo mentioned that he really likes the stories, as they keep him thinking, but not in a school way. I had these stories read to me when I was young as well, helping me want to pass along the tradition. Neo thoroughly enjoys listening to the stories and making an effort to uncover the clues that will help solve the cases. He mentioned that these are perfect stories for parent-child reading, but would be great for a good reader when they have time or are on a road trip. A note to parents: the stories are dated (1960s) and some of the terminology or word choices might not be as correct as you would like your young reader to use on a daily basis.

Did you know Neo’s has his own GR account for reviews? Check him out: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just too much fun. Brain teasers that a just a little too easy for me means I have a good excuse to spend a half hour sitting out in the grass remembering lazy days of summer as a child.

[Julesmarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I continue to be fascinated by this series. I recommended the first four books to my students and I've loved seeing how excited they are by the opportunity to try to solve Encyclopedia's mysteries along with him.

My favorite thing continues to be that the solutions to the mysteries are all at the end of the book so they can't accidentally be spoiled if you want to think about it.

My favorite mystery in this one would probably be the one about the cherries, the first mystery in the book. I liked that we were back to the logic puzzles instead of the obscure-knowledge puzzles.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever heard me say, "People faint FORWARD, not BACKWARD," while watching a movie, a TV show, a skit, or playacting children, you may be eligible for compensation. You can direct your complaints to this book.

[Neo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished the fifth collection of Encyclopedia Brown mysteries with my dad. These stories shine a spotlight on Encyclopedia, the ten year-old super detective, and those close to him in action as they solve crimes and expose all the criminals of Idaville, USA. In this collection, Encyclopedia looks into a rival detective trying to steal his thunder, a robbery in a back alley, and even a pet with a bullet wound. These five-minute mysteries are perfect for rainy days, road trips, or any time there is a lull. We found them perfect for a before bedtime stumping, though we are getting better at solving them. Great reading for people of all ages, particularly those who are closet sleuths.

I really like the stories, as they keep him thinking, but not in a school way. My dad had these stories read to me when he was young as well, helping to pass along the tradition. I enjoy listening to the stories and making an effort to uncover the clues that will help solve the cases. These are perfect stories for parent-child reading, but would be great for a good reader when they have time or are on a road trip.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Encyclopedia Brown is not your normal fifth grader. He's a regular Sherlock! And your kids will appreciate the genius way in which he's able to put clues together ... and how you have to turn to the back of the book for the big reveal! It's a clever format that enables you to have a chance at solving the mystery and checking your theory!

Ages: 9 - 13

Cleanliness: Golly, Gee Whiz, for Pete's sake, thank heavens and the like are used throughout. There are several town bullies and swindlers. There is usually a fist fight in each book (mostly referring to the time Sally beat up Bugs Meany, the town bully).

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!

Visit my website!

[Pooja Banga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clown accused of robbery... A mutt maimed by an armed gardener... A pig-shaped teapot... A Cupid who shoots expensive arrows... And a muscle-building tonic that shrinks your pockets!

These are just some of the ten brian-twisting mysteries that Encyclopedia Brown must solve by using his famous computerlike brain. Try to crack the cases along with him - you'll find

[Carolyn Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all the books by Donald J. Sobol that our library had, and I'm lucky enough to own this one. Little brain teasers, based on facts and trivia.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun puzzle book for an easy read. Definitely looking forward to reading more of these short stories to try and keep my brain firing on all cylinders!

[Taddow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading these books as a kid!

[Laura (Book Scrounger) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good way to get my 4th grader reading. He prefers science and nonfiction, but trying to figure out the mysteries that Encyclopedia works on was a nice way to make reading fiction more interactive. The stories themselves are fairly short, though dated at times (one wealthy client is referred to as a "playboy" and there are several stereotypical references to "Indians"), but all contain some important details that Encyclopedia notices, and the more you read the better you get at noticing them too.

[Leta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This got left at rehearsal and - for the price of returning it to the school library that owns it - I was allowed to take it home to read. I loved these books when I was a kid they must have made a real impact on me because I realized as I was re-reading this one that I still remember the revealing fact decades after having originally read the book.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I love this one moore than any other in the series. It has alot of harder puzles and they were not as easy to figure out.

[Noodle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Recently I made an Encyclopedia Brown reference and no one knew what I was talking about. "Who is Bugs Meany?" they asked. Jeez, what planet did you grow up on.

[Andreia]

I remember always trying to figure out the cases on my own. Still one of the strangest towns filled with the strangest kids (and adults)

[Río · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Things I Enjoyed About This Book
- the mysteries are short and easy to read
- there are unique and interesting characters
- clues and conclusions are clearly explained with each case
- Encyclopedia is generally kind and respectful to all people, even those with quirky styles and behaviors
- the puns and silly descriptions (e.g. "Bugs is like a thermometer in Africa - always up to something")

Downsides / Challenging Areas
- there are some outdated references and terms, specifically to native Americans
- most of the clues are deeply circumstantial yet are treated as concrete proof of guilt -by both Encyclopedia and his cop of a father- which is concerning
- misleading views of justice: a) that one piece of evidence makes someone guilty and b) that calling someone out automatically results in them confessing and repairing the damage of their actions


In Conclusion
Encyclopedia Brown mysteries offer fun mental exercises, and this book is no exception. If a younger child is going to read these (which would make sense, as they are the intended audience) it may be helpful to have a discussion around the evolution of language and how some terms previously in common use are now understood to be harmful/inaccurate.

Additionally it would be helpful to discuss how the conclusions seen in these cases are often based on assumptions (e.g. that all deaf people -and only deaf people- read lips) and how assumptions can guide understanding but are not always correct.

As long as the reading is paired with that awareness, I would suggest this book to anyone wanting quick little mental puzzles.

[Kevin Hogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like this was the strongest book in the series so far. A few of the stories were fairly challenging--some made me think a bit, and some I didn't figure out at all.

- Missing Clues: I figured this one out, but it was a good solution
- Super-Secret Hold: I'm still wondering if this solution is accurate; I seem to remember watching this happen differently in real life
- Wagon Master: again, I'm not so sure that I agree with the solution--maybe it's a bit dated?
- Sir Biscuit Shooter: a logical solution, although perhaps a bit obvious
- Frightened Playboy: one that requires some insight and attention to detail--I didn't figure it out, but it's a good solution
- Hair Driers: a decent solution, although I don't know that there was enough detail in the story to necessarily lead a reader there
- Cupid's Arrow: I'm a bit skeptical about solutions like this, as I don't know that everyone would process the clue in the same way
- Wounded Dog: I skimmed over a detail and didn't figure this one out; I thought it was particularly well-written
- Earthenware Pig: the first time in this series where I missed two solutions in a row--a good challenge to the reader
- Muscle Maker: a bit easier to wind things up; not too difficult, but a decent story

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encyclopedia Brown Solves Them All (1968) by Donald J. Sobol is another good entry in the long-running series. There are ten cases and each is filled with mystery and comedy. I love these and wish I had known about them as a child. Would have been a better reader. I love trying to solve them. There's always that one clue that gives it away. The one thing about this one to remember is that it was written in the 1960s, so there are some derogatory remarks about Native Americans. Beyond that, it was ahead of its time. Brown had a girl assistant who helped solve cases which must have been unique. The other day a little girl asked me at the library where these books were. We didn't have many, but I was impressed and happy to see people still read these wonderful short interactive mysteries. My rating - 4/5

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Kindle edition of this book when it was a Kindle Daily Deal. It’s entertaining, but I don’t see myself spending $6.99 for it. Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown has single-handedly been solving all of the mysteries in Idaville. This collection contains ten stories and their solutions. The mysteries are very clever and the solutions a test of perception and common sense. I had an issue with one of the mysteries; Encyclopedia uses a term for Native Americans that is a racial slur. This book must have been written a long time ago. I’m surprised that this wasn’t edited out of the Kindle edition.

[Tavio Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars because it had a lot of mysteries. their is kid named Leroy but his nickname is encyclopedia and their is this gang called the tigers they try to cheat little kids of giving them their money but he opens a business so when the tigers try to cheat they go to encyclopedia and pay him a quarter so he will go and help them to see if it is fake. his Dad works at the police station and whenever he has a hard case he goes home and gives the case to encyclopedia and he solves the case and that is why Advil has the best police record it the state.

[Ruthiella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the mysteries and their solutions pretty lackluster and thin in this go-round. It was also, not surprisingly given when it was published, very dated in its reference to Native Americans and there was an instance of animal cruelty (perpetrated by the bad guy, but still.) The Native American tribe was the Seminoles, which does at least help me geolocate where Idaville is – it must be in Florida or in a neighboring state with a coast line, since in the last book the boys camped out at the shore.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I just read this book to my son last night and I was shocked. I realize that this was written in the 60's and that it was a different time but hot damn, it was racially insensitive at times and flat out racist at others. I didn't remember this book having so many allusions to Native Americans (Indians in the vernacular of the day and "redskin" at one point). It makes me so sad. I'm going to have to get rid of this book but where to, I have no idea.

[Zachary Delano Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

EB is a great junior fiction series disregard to help young people think. Always engaging and concise. I think the biggest strength is also it’s biggest weakness. Moreover, that attribute is the diversity of its specific of cases. If you are interested in that case then you will be enthralled. However, if you have no interest in that case subject it’s difficult to be engaged in the book. That being said one of my favorite junior fiction series.

[Adam Carman · Rating 2 out of 5]

They tell you not to go home again, lol. I loved this series as a kid and they are still very engaging but reading it as a more enlightened adult you start to see some of the issues, particularly the insensitive comments aimed at Native Americans and a whitewashed view of history. This one was one of the worst in that regard. But the series still has some value for teaching the rudiments of observation and deductive reasoning and many of the stories are quite entertaining.

[Boy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the book's stories. My favorite story is the case of the super secret hold. When Bugs tries to trick a girl named Sally Kimball, Encyclopedia Brown finds out the super secret hold is fake. So Bugs tells the truth and says he is sorry. I am happy that this book was made and that it has more books in the series.

[Allison Renner]

I don’t think I’ve read an Encyclopedia Brown book since childhood! I used to never know how he solved things because I didn’t know how to read into the story. I love trying to catch the bad guy’s slip up!

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary school teacher read some of these stories to my class and let us try to solve them. That was back in the 1970s, but I still remember it. So what I really like about this series is that it brings back special memories and makes me grateful for all of my teachers.

[Enemby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encyclopedia Brown is Sherlock's modern, cooler, little brother. God these books brought my imagination to some ridiculous places as a kid.

As an adult, I'd probably find it a little simple, but it's still a really good collection of stories

[MaryEllen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun short mysteries. Got me thinking after each of them and it was fun checking my answers or guesses against Encyclopedia's. Also, It was fun to read because the story and talk was from back in the sixties so reading the jokes or insults in the book were keen. 😉

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good so far…

Made four gotchas, and two halves where this reader got it halfway. However, one story about the secret Judo hold, the answer is the weakest. Still, the rest are the trickiest. One has to read carefully the details or one will miss it. Still, a fun one so far.