The fifth book in the series that began with Bones and the Big Yellow Mystery (2004) opens with Jeffrey Bone and his parents baking a cake for his grandfather. As they drive to Grandpa's house, the young detective takes charge of the iced cake and a card containing a present. When the time comes to give Grandpa his gift, the card has disappeared. Using his trusty detective kit, Jeffrey solves the case. Observant children may beat Jeffrey to the conclusion and will probably enjoy doing so. Large, colorful pictures illustrate the text, which uses very short sentences in a natural-sounding way. The tenor of the story is rather mild, but young readers looking for short, fully illustrated mystery stories may find this to their liking.

Bones, Detective Jeffrey Bones

K-Gr 2-The boy detective makes his fifth appearance. It is his grandpa's birthday, and Bones is in charge of icing the cake. The sticky substance ends up on his hands, in his hair, and all over his clothes. On the way to the party, he is in charge of his grandfather's gift. Even though it is only a card, his parents promise there is a surprise inside that Grandpa, his friend Sally, and Bones will like. When it comes time to open the presents, the card is missing, and it takes all of Bones's detective skills to save the day once again. With Newman's bright and cheerful illustrations throughout the easy-to-read and humorous text, Adler has once again created an enjoyable story.-Erika Qualls, Ela Area Public Library District, Lake Zurich, IL Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.