Lulu & the Dance Detectives: Ravenous Rooster Stake-Out

This is the fourth book in the series Lulu & the Dance Detectives. The large well-spaced text will appeal to beginning or reluctant readers, as will the black-and-white illustrations that are abundant throughout. They are relevant and detailed enough to assist readers who may otherwise struggle a little with reading the text. I was, therefore, surprised when checked shirts were mentioned, and the illustration featured one of the girls who was not wearing a checked shirt.

Before a prologue and the story commences, readers are introduced to the characters in a succinct way that also includes an illustration of each member of the dance team. The seven chapters of between 12 and 14 pages each are manageable and will give the impression of reading a grown-up book. A couple of pages at the back give a little information about line dancing, and there are half a dozen pages about making a spy kit for those readers who enjoy the mystery element of the story.

A little sophisticated vocabulary is peppered throughout, which is a wonderful way to introduce words such as 'hysterical', 'descend', 'uncoordinated', and 'concussion' to young readers.

Near the blurb on the back cover, it prominently states that the book is by a NZ author and illustrator, which is important for someone looking for this as the cover itself does not have a particularly 'Kiwi' look to it and a book about line dancing could be expected to be set in the USA.

This book would be ideal for young readers who like to read a series featuring the same familiar characters solving mysteries, with a little fun thrown in too.

Content advisory: This would be unsuitable for readers who find thinking about vomiting too nauseating.