June 1, 2025
I think I’ve told my readers before, but I often read aloud to my dog Neo, (he is terribly well read/well... listened?) because so much of children’s literature is about the rhythm and cadence of the text. I tried to read Casey’s Cases to him, but I ended up laughing too loudly and he didn’t like that so he left. So for this particular book, I am giving it two thumbs up and Neo is giving it four paws down.
Casey is 11 and an amateur detective. She solves many cases. Both small, see: Case of the Wrapped Presents, Case of the Missing Hairband and large, see: Mysterious New Girl, AJ’s Love Note. Casey deals with making new friends, a mean frenemy, a crush, and an overfed or maybe pregnant cat all divided up into chapters. I love graphic novels and adore them for emerging readers, regular readers, and all readers. This book, in particular, is for 7-11 year olds. Casey’s Cases is a hilarious slam dunk and the sequel, "Everything is Terrible", comes out in September of this year.
Bits and Pieces: The art was ink on paper and digitally colored. Man, I have got to learn some digital techniques. This doesn’t have anything to do with this book review, but I’m hoping it will remind me later (It won't). Casey’s friend Jan wears a tie and it’s such a cool thing for an 11-year-old to do. Also, no spoilers, but AJ’s love note was one of the best love notes I’ve ever read.
Not Sure About: I thought the art was really cool, but I have never seen a girl in the shape of a triangle so I had to get used to that.
Favorite Part(s): The case of Mr. Muffin the lost cat was so funny and you can’t help but empathize with Casey’s poor parents. I absolutely howled laughing. No one is more self-righteous than the person forcing a new cat on their family. I would know. I’ve forced many, many cats on my husband.
