Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe

Description

"Brimming with charm, delight, and a diverse cast of characters." - Booklist In Cody's second neighborhood adventure, her best friend, Spencer, is moving in around the corner. Cody can't wait: she needs Spencer to help solve the mystery of the never-seen Mr. Meen, who lives on the other side of the porch with a skull-and-crossbones sign in the window and an extermination truck out front. Spencer's new-school jitters and the turf-claiming kids next door - who have their own reasons for acting out - make this year's shift from summer into a new school year extra-confusing for Cody - and extra-delightful.

Understated illustrations subtly reinforce these diverse identities and bring the cozy world to life. A perennial message, "different strokes for different folks," delivered with affection and tolerance, 21st-century style. -Kirkus Reviews Cody makes some keen observations about both herself and those around her. Those insights often lead to more questions than answers for her titular mysteries, but she remains more filled with awe and wonder than cynicism, making her an endearing heroine for kids just starting to puzzle out their own universes. Wheeler's monochromatic illustrations add depth to many of the characters-slouching Spencer as he heads to school, Wyatt's rueful smiles as he hangs out with Cody-and the homey details complement the warmth of the text. -Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Readers of all ages will readily relate to Cody and the characters around her. This book is perfect for young readers ready to move on from beginning books and early readers. -School Library Connection This sequel displays Springstubb's knack for understanding the ever-shifting questions held by readers this age as their awareness of the universe around them grows in leaps and bounds. Brimming with charm, delight, and a diverse cast of characters. -Booklist Online Tricia Springstubb...has created an irrepressible free spirit in Cody and this charming novel for young readers is told from Cody's point of view. -Buffalo News