The spunky, smart, but fictional Hilde who cracks a string of pastry thefts before the evening deadline is modeled after a real Hilde—the co-author—who runs her own newspaper.Each crime—a stolen cherry pie, missing lemon cupcakes, eggs taken from under the hens, a broken cookie jar, a list of bake-off contestants that has disappeared—includes a clue that perceptive Hilde, in the quest of a good story, is sure to recognize. Aided by her sister, Izzy, the staff photographer, Hilde gamely moves from one crime to the next, calming irate adults as she eventually connects the dots just in the nick of time. Lew-Vriethoff's attractive illustrations (many of which were just sketches at the time of review) are liberally sprinkled throughout the brief text, appearing on nearly every page. Hilde (and almost everyone else illustrated) is depicted as white. Her notes are included throughout; later a compilation is displayed. Unfortunately for fellow sleuths, the true perpetrator, although hinted at previously, isn't included among Hilde's list of potential thieves, making it hard to solve the crime ahead of the reporter herself. Although character development is lacking, it's the investigation that's the centerpiece of the tale, the first in a new series for emergent chapter-book readers. Although entertaining and fast-paced, there is nothing to elevate this effort above a crowded field. (Fiction. 6-8)

Part of the Branches line of early chapter books, this opening entry in the Hilde Cracks the Case series marks the fiction debut for 10-year-old Hilde Lysiak, who publishes a newspaper in her Pennsylvania hometown. Writing with her father (also a reporter), she unspools a mystery inspired by a story she covered in her real-life paper. When there-s a break-in on Orange Street and the police won-t share details, Hilde investigates, uncovering baked-goods rivalries, a ransacked chicken coop, and more; Hilde-s notes to herself appear throughout, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and paying attention when reporting. It-s a light, quick-moving mystery, and the young author-s backstory will undoubtedly inspire many aspiring writers, reporters, and sleuths. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6-8. Author-s agent: Sharlene Martin, Martin Literary Management. Illustrator-s agent: Mela Bolinao, MB Artists. (Sept.)

Gr 1-3The Annual Bake-Off Bonanza is ready to commence, but desserts are disappearing! Mrs. Hooper's cupcakes were stolen from her kitchen table, Mr. Macintosh's fresh eggs for his cheesecake were nabbed, and Mrs. Taggert's cherry crumb pie was swiped as it cooled on the windowsill. Could the thief be one of the contestants vying for first prize, a mischievous teenager, or the neighborhood dog with a sweet tooth? The case will not remain unsolved for long when Orange Street News investigator, nine-year-old Hilde, catches wind of the story. Inspired by the real Hilde Lysiak who started her own newspaper and does plenty of sleuthing herself, this mystery series is sure to win over readers diving into beginning chapter books. Like other titles in the "Branches" line, pictures and text work together to tell the story. Fast-paced action helps maintain budding readers' attention. Pages from Hilde's notebook introduce new vocabulary and model questioning. The right amount of support and repetition is given for students transitioning into a more independent phase of reading, and many will find themselves working to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist. Teachers will appreciate using this series to teach questioning words. However, those looking for a beginning chapter book series featuring a more diverse cast of characters may want to consider the "Lark Ba Detective" series. VERDICT A solid addition to most chapter book collections, especially where there are mystery fans.Beth Parmer, New Albany Elementary Library, OH