When Eric loses his permission slip to go on the class field trip to the zoo, his friend Cam Jansen uses her photographic memory to help him find where he left the note. As always in this lively Viking Easy-to-Read mystery series, the clues are there for the children who pay close attention to the story and to the clear, bright, detailed ink-and-watercolor pictures. In fact, most kids will solve the puzzle early on, and they may enjoy feeling a bit superior while Cam and Eric pursue false leads. A memory game rounds things out: children are invited to look very closely at a picture, then turn the page and answer questions about what they remember. What better way to engage beginning readers in the fun of paying attention to the words and pictures in a book.

When Eric misplaces his permission slip for the class trip, it looks as if he'll be spending the day at school rather than at the zoo--that is, until Cam Jansen puts her detective skills to work. Each page of this simple yet satisfying story is reinforced with an illustration, making it a good choice for beginning readers, many of whom will relate to the anxiety-provoking experience of losing something vital.

Gr 1-2-Another appealing installment in a series of easy-to-read mysteries. Cam is helping her friend Eric find his permission note for their class field trip. After searching his pockets, the school hallway, and the bus, the young detective finally locates the note and Eric is allowed to go to the zoo. Short sentences, simple language, and plenty of white space make the story accessible. Featuring bright colors and interesting details, the appealing cartoon illustrations set the scene and provide picture clues for the text. The short chapters and well-placed moments of suspense will keep children turning pages. Some astute readers may even solve the mystery before Cam does, making the book even more attractive.-Anne Knickerbocker, formerly at Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.