Detective Catz

4 Apr

For ages 4+

An uplifting story about how helping friends can be lots of fun!

bookshop.org uk

By Marjoke Henrichs (Scallywag Press, 2024)

The creator of the lovely picture book series including her debut, ‘NO! Said Rabbit’ (Scallywag Press, 2022) and the sequel, ’READY! Said Rabbit’ (Scallywag Press, 2022/3), Marjoke Henrichs, originally hails from the Netherlands, but has been in England for sometime since she received her MA in children's book illustration at the Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University. ‘NO! said Rabbit’ was shortlisted for the Booktrust Storytime prize and translated into 12 languages!

Henrichs has a rather unique colourful, playful style of illustration and storytelling that is ideal for pre-schoolers or Reception age children. Lovely bold colours, big characters almost in child-like (but technically brilliant and professional) illustrations. I am always in awe of Children’s creators who both illustrate and write their books, and do both equally well!

Lovely to see a new character in this latest picture book, published by the lovely team at UK independent publisher, Scallywag Press. Detective Catz is a young cat who is enjoying a lone role-play game in his room one day. He’s got all sorts of toys out and even has a play detective kit . Now all he needs is a mystery to solve!

The story goes on to demonstrate how friends can help one another in times of need, and that helping and kindness can be fun (and rewarding) too. Catz ends up not just solving his case - the whereabouts of his friend Flossy’s “biggest and best nut” - but finding lost items for ALL his friends and they’re so grateful!

This is a lovely adventure. Hunting for clues is so much fun! The story is inspirational for children who will learn how to play detective games with their friends as a result. Magnifying glasses at the ready…

I can’t end the review without a special mention of the gorgeous end papers, both inside front and back book covers, nor the clever little twist at the end of the tale - definitely worth celebrating with a big, uplifting, “Hip Hip Hooray for Detective Catz!”