Fox hopes to be a famous detective like the ones in his favorite books. When he finds that a neighboring apple tree has been picked clean, Fox methodically sets about solving the case. With clean backgrounds, simple shapes, and bright autumnal colors, the illustrations are full of entertaining details (including important clues). This cheery tale introduces conventions of the mystery genre to the youngest sleuths.

Quirky and inviting illustrations grab readers' attention in this picture book about a crime-solving little fox. The little red fox likes to read detective stories. Every day he rides his bicycle past an orchard to the library. All day long, he eats apples and gobbles up mysteries. When the apples in the orchard go missing, Fox is excited to finally solve a mystery! With a confident hand, Trukhan creates geometric illustrations with a two-dimensional, color-filled vibe that is reminiscent of IKEA children's toys come to life. The pages have an attractive lime-yellow hue that helps all the characters and trees pop off the page. And the apple endpapers? Merchandisable. In another nifty, graphic tweak, dialogue is rendered in colored type keyed to characters; Fox's is teal, to match his hat. The plot, unfortunately, falls short of the illustrations, enough to make readers wonder if a wordless version of this book would provide a more interesting solution. The mystery of the missing apples lacks urgency or conflict, making the resolution (a surprise party featuring apple pie) less than engaging. It detracts from the winning illustrations and gives the book the feel of a wobbly, three-legged stool. For those drawn to the pictures instead of the story, it is an inquisitive romp through a gentle forest. (Picture book. 3-6)

PreS-Gr 1-A fox enjoys reading mysteries. He wants to become a famous detective like the ones in his books. One day, on his way to the library, he discovers that the apples in his favorite tree are missing. Fox finally has a real mystery to solve. Trukhan uses folk artstyle illustrations filled with geometric shapes to create scenery and other assorted items. Bold primary colors lend a playful look and feel and give the forest friends a warm and jovial feeling. Each character's speech is presented in text of a different color. This feature makes it easy for young children to differentiate narration from dialogue. The book has a pleasing balance of predictability and surprise. The illustrations offer clever hints about the mystery's conclusion without giving it away. Fox embraces and openly expresses his curiosity toward the happenings around him. VERDICT A sweet read-aloud choice that encourages children to explore the world around them.Deanna Smith, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY