The Mystery of the Missing Lion by Alexander McCall Smith, illustrated by Iain McIntosh, 90 pp, RL 2

Before The Mystery of the Missing Lion is even on chapter two, McCall Smith has packed this chapter book full of fascinating information as we learn about Precious's favorite Aunty Bee who lives right up at the top of the country in the Okavango Delta where she finds amazing things to send Precious for her birthday presents. One year, Aunty Bee collected the quills from a porcupine and made a hat out of them for Precious! Another year she sent her a lucky bracelet made from rare elephant hairs purchased from a very skinny man who some said had been sat on by an elephant. Aunty Bee also writes Precious letters telling her what is happening in the Delta. In her most recent letter, she invites Precious to spend part of her school holidays with her at Eagle Island Camp, telling her something very exciting is about to happen.

I know I am repeating myself, but I feel like I can't say often enough what out of the ordinary plots, characters and settings McCall Smith brings to the frequently bland world of chapter books, and how happy this makes me. His plots are straightforward, the vocabulary is relatively easy and he has a great sense of playfulness in his writing. And, he has the inscrutable Precious.
More books in the series:
And coming soon . . .
Source: Review Copy