"Once upon a crime, there was a detective."
Humpty Dumpty, Jr. A "good egg" who always "cracks the case," as he himself says.
The Case of the Fiendish Flapjack Flop is a fun book that follows Humpty Jr. on a very difficult case. An escaped con ("Johnny" Cakes), a missing baker (Patty, owner of the famous Pat-A-Cake bakery), a panicked phone call to a private detective — it all points to one thing. Johnny Cakes has kidnapped Patty, who happens to be a good friend of our favorite egg detective. Humpty knows he's got to do something quickly, or the city may be short one bakery! And he's certain he knows the culprit; all the evidence seems to point to "Johnny" Cakes. But as is frequently the case with mysteries, things aren't as obvious as they first appear. Of course, Humpty has some help, in the form of a brand-new sidekick and the ever-present, almost cliches detective-hating police lieutenant.
This is a very readable book for young children. The story is exciting, but the vocabulary is easy enough for kids younger than 2nd grade to read and enjoy the book on their own. And with descriptions like "It's face was rotting wart-flesh. Foul green snot oozed over cracked teeth," they'll want to read it, just for the gross-out factor. And Humpty's sidekick, a young boy named Rat, will help young readers to picture themselves in the book.
Vince Evans' illustrations certainly add to the book; you'll want to make sure you pay attention to what's written on the slips of paper Humpty carries around, for example. Nate Evans and Paul Hindman are outstanding authors who are able to connect with their young audience very easily. Children's books are not easy to write well, but The Case of the Fiendish Flapjack Flop is very well done, and is highly recommended for kids of all ages.
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