Rating: My Bookshelf

This is perfect for kids who are too old for the classic Boxcar Chidren but still like that good old mystery adventure. A bonus if the reader likes the outdoors!

A family tries out camping and gets more surprises than they bargained for. They miraculously escape harm’s way (to which the father says, “Thank the Lord!”), and they also become helpful in unraveling a mischievous plot.

Things I liked:

  • The kids seem to have a respectful and healthy relationship with their parents. This is refreshing, as models of good parent-kid relationships are hard to find these days.
  • Several references to a faith-filled life: “Did you pray about it?” And “Thank the Lord!”
  • Camping, references to survival and a survival guide book.
  • Working together to uncover a mystery 

Hesitations:

  • Mystic connection with a wolf; the wolf eventually seems to want the main character to follow him, and that’s how he leads him to his lost family heirloom.  (Yeah right.)
  • Jokes that might be difficult to understand: “I Iost my mood ring and I don’t know how I feel about it.”
  • Jokes with slight potty humor: “Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl go to the bathroom? … Because it has a silent p.”

Overall I think the good far outweighs the bad on this one.