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Precious Ramotswe's Very First Cases #2
The Mystery of Meerkat Hill
Precious wants to be a detective when she grows up. She is always practicing at being a detective by asking questions and finding out about other people’s lives. There are two new students in her class, a girl called Teb and a boy called Pontsho. She learns that they are brother and sister, and—even more exciting—that Pontsho has a clever pet meerkat named Kosi.
One day, Teb and Pontsho’s family’s cow disappears. Precious helps them look for clues to find the cow. But getting the cow back home will require some quick thinking and help from an unexpected source.
One day, Teb and Pontsho’s family’s cow disappears. Precious helps them look for clues to find the cow. But getting the cow back home will require some quick thinking and help from an unexpected source.
Audio CD
First published January 1, 2012
61 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
About the author
Alexander McCall Smith
668 books12.7k followersAlexander McCall Smith is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie Series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit him online at www.alexandermccallsmith.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
October 30, 2024
5★
"It was all very well having an idea but as every detective knows only too well, not all ideas solve the case."
This is the second of schoolgirl Precious Ramotswe's first detective cases in Botswana. A new family has moved into the area, bringing children to her school. The girl is a year ahead of Precious, and the boy is a year younger.
Precious sees them standing alone at recess and remembers how lonely it can feel in a new place, so she goes over to chat with them.
They seem like nice kids, but she notices they are both barefoot. She knows how hard it is to walk on hot roads in Botswana in the summer and how tough their feet will have to get for them to manage. When they tell her why they have moved in with their grandparents, she realises how lucky she is to have a father takes such good care of her.
They invite her home to meet their pet - a meerkat! They tell a hair-raising story about their grandfather, a cobra, and the meerkat, and that was enough to terrify me!
When their cow gets and the family is unable to find it, Precious resolves to put her detective skills to work.
"Had they looked for tracks?...
'I'll come home with you now and we can start to look for tracks...
My mother will be very pleased if we find her — she'll make us all a reward of fat cakes.'
Precious loved fat cakes, which are a delicious type of fried doughnut that are very popular in Botswana."
Needless to say, they get their fatcakes, which are sprinkled with sugar and sound delicious!
Adjoa Andoh's narration is as delightful as ever - the perfect voice. These stories would be wonderful to play in a classroom with the children reading along.
The author always includes some social messaging about issues such as poverty and inequality, and importantly, he also offers ways that Precious (and others) can help to ease the worries and combat the stigma associated with them.
It's a great series that I'm enjoying on Audible Plus.
My review of Precious and the Monkeys (Precious Ramotswe's Very First Cases # 1)
"It was all very well having an idea but as every detective knows only too well, not all ideas solve the case."
This is the second of schoolgirl Precious Ramotswe's first detective cases in Botswana. A new family has moved into the area, bringing children to her school. The girl is a year ahead of Precious, and the boy is a year younger.
Precious sees them standing alone at recess and remembers how lonely it can feel in a new place, so she goes over to chat with them.
They seem like nice kids, but she notices they are both barefoot. She knows how hard it is to walk on hot roads in Botswana in the summer and how tough their feet will have to get for them to manage. When they tell her why they have moved in with their grandparents, she realises how lucky she is to have a father takes such good care of her.
They invite her home to meet their pet - a meerkat! They tell a hair-raising story about their grandfather, a cobra, and the meerkat, and that was enough to terrify me!
When their cow gets and the family is unable to find it, Precious resolves to put her detective skills to work.
"Had they looked for tracks?...
'I'll come home with you now and we can start to look for tracks...
My mother will be very pleased if we find her — she'll make us all a reward of fat cakes.'
Precious loved fat cakes, which are a delicious type of fried doughnut that are very popular in Botswana."
Needless to say, they get their fatcakes, which are sprinkled with sugar and sound delicious!
Adjoa Andoh's narration is as delightful as ever - the perfect voice. These stories would be wonderful to play in a classroom with the children reading along.
The author always includes some social messaging about issues such as poverty and inequality, and importantly, he also offers ways that Precious (and others) can help to ease the worries and combat the stigma associated with them.
It's a great series that I'm enjoying on Audible Plus.
My review of Precious and the Monkeys (Precious Ramotswe's Very First Cases # 1)
November 2, 2022
When I saw that this story included a pet meerkat, I had to listen to the audio immediately on the Libby app. I would give it 6 stars! Very charming and clever little story and includes a child who is the main character in the #1 Ladies' Detective Agency (by the same author) when an adult. It has numerous positive messages in it for all of us. It was immensely entertaining to me.
February 10, 2017
If there's anything more precious than Precious Ramotswe. . . then I'm not sure what it is. These new detective books for kids featuring Botswana's most polite and most observant detective (as a child!) are a throwback to a better time. . . of Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys and Encyclopedia Brown.
Actually, Precious Ramotswe's detective stories are most comparable to those of Encyclopedia Brown, as she does not encounter bad guys or violence (and isn't bound and gagged like Nancy so often was!). Precious simply uses her keen powers of observation and common sense to solve the village's woes.
If you love the adult version of the series and you have elementary aged kids. . . this is a no brainer. The illustrations alone are worth your time. But, oh Precious. You are so very precious. What an iconic character Mr. Smith dreamed up for us all to enjoy.
Actually, Precious Ramotswe's detective stories are most comparable to those of Encyclopedia Brown, as she does not encounter bad guys or violence (and isn't bound and gagged like Nancy so often was!). Precious simply uses her keen powers of observation and common sense to solve the village's woes.
If you love the adult version of the series and you have elementary aged kids. . . this is a no brainer. The illustrations alone are worth your time. But, oh Precious. You are so very precious. What an iconic character Mr. Smith dreamed up for us all to enjoy.
October 25, 2020
The young Precious Ramotswe, who would grow up to become Botswana's first female detective, returns in this second chapter-book adventure for children, following upon
The Great Cake Mystery
, in which she confronted her very first case. In this volume, she meets and befriends two new pupils at her school, quickly discovering that Teb and Pontsho, who have been living with their grandparents since their father was killed in a lightning strike, are very poor. When the family cow disappears, this is a real calamity, and Precious quickly steps in to help track down the missing bovine...
Much like its predecessor, The Mystery of Meerkat Hill is a delightful book, featuring a kind, compassionate and quite clever young heroine, and a story that is told with humanity and perceptive sensitivity. I appreciated Precious' awareness that she must respect her friends, and avoiding hurting them through seeming sympathy with their situation. When she sees their house, for instance, she avoids commenting upon how small it is, lest this embarrass or shame her new friends. These are very moral stories, and the narrator often makes moral commentary, but it never feels overdone or preachy - just matter-of-fact in its discussion of an important subject. The accompanying artwork from Iain McIntosh is lovely, and I appreciated the after matter, which includes a section on the geography and people of Botswana, a reader's guide with questions for discussion, and a recipe for fat cakes. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed reading about Precious' first case, to chapter-book readers who enjoy mystery, and to fans of the adult series upon which these children's books are based.
Much like its predecessor, The Mystery of Meerkat Hill is a delightful book, featuring a kind, compassionate and quite clever young heroine, and a story that is told with humanity and perceptive sensitivity. I appreciated Precious' awareness that she must respect her friends, and avoiding hurting them through seeming sympathy with their situation. When she sees their house, for instance, she avoids commenting upon how small it is, lest this embarrass or shame her new friends. These are very moral stories, and the narrator often makes moral commentary, but it never feels overdone or preachy - just matter-of-fact in its discussion of an important subject. The accompanying artwork from Iain McIntosh is lovely, and I appreciated the after matter, which includes a section on the geography and people of Botswana, a reader's guide with questions for discussion, and a recipe for fat cakes. Recommended to anyone who enjoyed reading about Precious' first case, to chapter-book readers who enjoy mystery, and to fans of the adult series upon which these children's books are based.
January 27, 2023
"Detectives always do that as you probably know. They don't want to destroy any of the clues that may be lying around."
Simply delightful!
There is no denying that Precious Ramotswe is a lovely, compassionate, and thoughtful protagonist. Without a doubt, she's a very endearing character. And I loved how she came up with solutions to solve the mystery.
Simply delightful!
There is no denying that Precious Ramotswe is a lovely, compassionate, and thoughtful protagonist. Without a doubt, she's a very endearing character. And I loved how she came up with solutions to solve the mystery.
August 16, 2016
Another lovely story about gentle people.
October 3, 2020
Delightful! I love the narration style, it's cozy and conversational, with little asides to you, a bit reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh. Precious is a winning protagonist and I love the feeling of warmth that radiates from the story. Both story and illustrations are evocative and I loved my armchair travel to Botswana. Of course, this is not an #OwnVoices story, AMS probably draws much from his boyhood in Africa and his this to say about the book. Note that I didn't find the mystery particularly strong, I think the strength is in the characterization of place and people. I do appreciate that it's a gentle mystery and, while it doesn't completely shy away from some hard truths (Precious' friends cow goes missing and they are desperate to find her as their whole livelihood depends upon her) I feel it is done in a way that won't overwhelm young readers. I'm eager to read the other books in the series (this is the second but, IMO, can stand alone). I've never read the adult mysteries featuring Precious but I may have to check them out after having met her in her youth!
October 29, 2016
this is a children's book that I read alongside my daughter. I have read the first book in the adult series, and this one is written very differently. Everything is clearly explained at a child's level, presuming no prior knowledge and it's the second book, but we didn't realise this at the time and we didn't need to have read the first book to enjoy this one.
I think it may be aimed at younger children than my daughter, but we both enjoyed the story nevertheless.
I think it may be aimed at younger children than my daughter, but we both enjoyed the story nevertheless.
December 1, 2015
The Mystery of Meerkat Hill – A Precious Ramotswe Mystery for Young Readers, by Alexander McCall Smith, illustrations by Iain McIntosh – Mystery- 2nd grade and up – Loved the way this author can spin a tale from a family history story to new friend’s story and also a mystery story… all tied together in a hilarious smart solution. Quite recommended.
May 8, 2021
Precious is so precious. And the children she meets and befriends so easily. This is my second book in the series and as usual it doesn't disappoint. A missing cows, two new friends, happy ending, adults who aren't douche bags, kindness all around, people who show honor - its just awesome.
I kept smiling while listening to the amazing Adjoa Andoh narrate this novel.
I kept smiling while listening to the amazing Adjoa Andoh narrate this novel.
July 1, 2020
4.5 stars. I loved this book. The only thing I didn’t love is that the mystery is only a chapter or two out of the whole book and there wasn’t much to it. But otherwise, I loved how kind Precious was to the new students and the general positive atmosphere of the story. And I loved the beautiful descriptions of Botswana.
May 15, 2020
My kids loved the first book in the series so much that we listened to the second one the same day.
They said they liked this one, but I personally think the actual mystery part of the first book was better. The mystery in the first book was a bit longer and more complex, and the solution was more clever and made more sense. This one was still a fun story though.
They said they liked this one, but I personally think the actual mystery part of the first book was better. The mystery in the first book was a bit longer and more complex, and the solution was more clever and made more sense. This one was still a fun story though.
July 30, 2014
Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Illustrator: Iain Mcintosh
First Published: 2012
That's right. A children's book written by the author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. In fact, there's a whole series. The series revolves around Precious, the first female PI in Botswana and MC of McCall Smith's adult series.
My Mum's a fan. It was she that put us onto the children's books. I bought one, she bought another (to read herself before passing on).
It was not what I expected.
It's a book of lessons - about Africa and it's animals, about manners, about acceptance and friendship. Beautifully written in an inclusive, chatty style, McCall Smith invites the reader to visit with Precious and befriend her. We want to get to know her and be mini detectives, too. We want to learn about people. We want to care and help without intruding or being ill mannered.
It's a gentle narrative. Very engaging. With a simple but honest "mystery" that empowers the child reader while gently teaching.
Precious Ramotswe's Very First Cases:
Precious and the Monkeys
Precious and the Mystery of Meerkat Hill
Precious and the Mystery of the Missing Lion
References:
Author's website: http://www.alexandermccallsmith.co.uk/
Age:
Read aloud - 5+
Read yourself - 7+
(ISBN 978-1-84697-231-7)
-CR-
Illustrator: Iain Mcintosh
First Published: 2012
That's right. A children's book written by the author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. In fact, there's a whole series. The series revolves around Precious, the first female PI in Botswana and MC of McCall Smith's adult series.
My Mum's a fan. It was she that put us onto the children's books. I bought one, she bought another (to read herself before passing on).
It was not what I expected.
It's a book of lessons - about Africa and it's animals, about manners, about acceptance and friendship. Beautifully written in an inclusive, chatty style, McCall Smith invites the reader to visit with Precious and befriend her. We want to get to know her and be mini detectives, too. We want to learn about people. We want to care and help without intruding or being ill mannered.
It's a gentle narrative. Very engaging. With a simple but honest "mystery" that empowers the child reader while gently teaching.
Precious Ramotswe's Very First Cases:
Precious and the Monkeys
Precious and the Mystery of Meerkat Hill
Precious and the Mystery of the Missing Lion
References:
Author's website: http://www.alexandermccallsmith.co.uk/
Age:
Read aloud - 5+
Read yourself - 7+
(ISBN 978-1-84697-231-7)
-CR-
January 1, 2021
Before she grew up to become the celebrated Precious Ramotswe of the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, she was an empathetic young child in Botswana who already had the makings of an astute detective.
This is the second book in a series of young Precious’ cases and makes for a lightening quick read. Precious befriends two new schoolchildren, Teb and Pontsho and their unexpected pet in the form of an adorable and sharp meerkat, Kosi. As Precious spends more time with them she learns that they aren’t financially strong. So when the pregnant family cow goes missing, it is a huge blow for them. Only sharp young Precious and an unexpected assistant can save the day.
What I liked about this book was the peek into African culture, the beautiful drawings and Precious’ kind nature. She displays a sensitivity and maturity beyond her years and in that respect, this is a great way to inculcate some sound homilies in young readers. The mystery is obvious in its simplicity. But I have no issues with that. There is a quiet charm to this book that appealed to by frazzled nerves.
At the end of the day, I am a fan of the adult Precious Ramotswe and plunging into this series required no second thought.
A sweet, heartfelt and endearing start to my 2021 Reading journey.
This is the second book in a series of young Precious’ cases and makes for a lightening quick read. Precious befriends two new schoolchildren, Teb and Pontsho and their unexpected pet in the form of an adorable and sharp meerkat, Kosi. As Precious spends more time with them she learns that they aren’t financially strong. So when the pregnant family cow goes missing, it is a huge blow for them. Only sharp young Precious and an unexpected assistant can save the day.
What I liked about this book was the peek into African culture, the beautiful drawings and Precious’ kind nature. She displays a sensitivity and maturity beyond her years and in that respect, this is a great way to inculcate some sound homilies in young readers. The mystery is obvious in its simplicity. But I have no issues with that. There is a quiet charm to this book that appealed to by frazzled nerves.
At the end of the day, I am a fan of the adult Precious Ramotswe and plunging into this series required no second thought.
A sweet, heartfelt and endearing start to my 2021 Reading journey.
December 31, 2020
Adjoa Andoh is the narrator again and again brings Precious to life in a delightful way. In this story I found out a little about meerkats - a small mongoose. It seems to me that they are very useful to have around as they will take care of snakes and bugs for you! And maybe help to solve mysteries, lol.
November 15, 2021
Lite reading
July 6, 2022
Although written for children this is an entertaining book for adults as well. Set in Botswana, you can learn a little about the country and its people and wildlife while solving a mystery.
Read
January 10, 2024First sampling of this author, pre-reading it for my kids, and it's a really sweet story - quite short but substantially adventurous and satisfying.
June 30, 2022
A delightful book. Only wish I had grandchildren or a class with which to discuss the study questions.
September 13, 2018
Really good book, but was more focused on childrens mystery books.
March 15, 2024
The 2nd in a fun series. We enjoyed this one even more than the first.
November 23, 2015
I grabbed this for a quick 1-day listen in the car in between two longer audiobooks.
It was fun, but a couple key things bothered me. First - we didn't even get to the mystery until Chapter 6 (out of 8). The rest was all introducing characters and stories they told that, while interesting, weren't related to the mystery. (Also, the mystery didn't involve Meerkat Hill...) I know in some African folk traditions, you don't actually tell as story until you've told several others so your audience has all the necessary background - and I assume this is what happened here. The stories were all very enjoyable, and if they had all been presented as a *set* of stories that went together, it wouldn't have bothered me in the least - but this was presented as ONE story, and so I wasn't expecting what I got.
The second thing was the narrator - and her exaggerated rolling of the letter R. Again, I'm sure this was to make the dialect authentic, but it sounded like she was making a parody of it.
Other than that, the book was very enjoyable. Maybe I need to read more of the Precious Ramotswe stories so I know how often there are other stories to know before you can know the big one.
It was fun, but a couple key things bothered me. First - we didn't even get to the mystery until Chapter 6 (out of 8). The rest was all introducing characters and stories they told that, while interesting, weren't related to the mystery. (Also, the mystery didn't involve Meerkat Hill...) I know in some African folk traditions, you don't actually tell as story until you've told several others so your audience has all the necessary background - and I assume this is what happened here. The stories were all very enjoyable, and if they had all been presented as a *set* of stories that went together, it wouldn't have bothered me in the least - but this was presented as ONE story, and so I wasn't expecting what I got.
The second thing was the narrator - and her exaggerated rolling of the letter R. Again, I'm sure this was to make the dialect authentic, but it sounded like she was making a parody of it.
Other than that, the book was very enjoyable. Maybe I need to read more of the Precious Ramotswe stories so I know how often there are other stories to know before you can know the big one.
February 3, 2016
I read this book with my 10 year old and we both enjoyed it. We actually finished it in one sitting which is great for a little one who often doesn't like to sit for a story. We were able to accomplish what I often think is the impossible (sitting through a chapter book) because the story was very simple and yet quite engaging. Precious is a young girl who wants to be a detective when she grows up. She meets a brother and sister at her school and befriends them. The brother has a pet meerkat who helps them solve the mystery of their missing cow. The story is set in Botswana and we learned a little about the country, it's people and culture, and meerkats; but just enough to add to the characters and their story. The book also comes with some very simple, yet lovely illustrations which helped my son to engage further. It's a lovely read for young kids.
March 29, 2013
Readers who enjoy the author’s No 1 Detective Agency series should not neglect the two stories Alexander McCall Smith has written about Precious Ramotswe as a schoolgirl and fledgling detective. Even though they are written for children they are still entertaining reading for adults.
In this book Precious finds out how clever meercats can be and she makes some new friends when a brother and sister arrive at her school. The book has all the simplicity of this author’s adult writing and he never talks down to his child readers. I found this an interesting relaxing read and it can be read at a sitting. I liked the charming simplicity of the illustrations which display well in this Kindle edition.
In this book Precious finds out how clever meercats can be and she makes some new friends when a brother and sister arrive at her school. The book has all the simplicity of this author’s adult writing and he never talks down to his child readers. I found this an interesting relaxing read and it can be read at a sitting. I liked the charming simplicity of the illustrations which display well in this Kindle edition.
October 14, 2017
I listened to this book from an audio file I checked out from my library on Overdrive. I would recommend this book (and series) to families of children to listen to on a road trip or as a bedtime story for a few nights. It was just over an hour long.
These books have a creative problem solving and outdoor adventures and at the same time, teach kindness, morals and insights to how other children live with what might seem like less in the great country of Botswana.
These books have a creative problem solving and outdoor adventures and at the same time, teach kindness, morals and insights to how other children live with what might seem like less in the great country of Botswana.
November 18, 2013
So, so sweet! My favorite African detective is back but as a little girl in rural Botswana solving mini-mysteries. This book uses the same gentle storytelling and amusing life observations as the original books for grown ups: The Number One Ladies Detective Agency.
July 1, 2024
Finding a missing cow is simple, but well told in this story of friends, meerkats, and hats. Loved the story about the ostrich.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2017
Once in a while a story comes along, with children as the main target audience - and you simply get blown away by the beautiful writing, the morals and lessons introduced - just the whole package.
Precious is the main character in the book, and honestly is aptly named. When two new children start at her school - she goes out of her way to make them feel welcome and that they belong. Precious notices that her new friends Teb and Ponstsho are from a poor family as she notices that they do not have shoes. Teb and Ponstcho invite Precious over to their house to see their pet.
As Precious approaches the house - she sees that it is not a very large house and wondered how all six family members lived in it. 'But she did not want to say anything about that, as people are usually proud of their homes and do not like other people (and that means us) to point out that their houses are too small, or too uncomfortable, or the wrong shape. Ans so she said, "That's a nice house, Teb." That was not a lie. It is not a lie to say something nice to somebody. You have to remember that you can usually find something good to say about anything if you look hard enough. And it's kind too.'
As you can see, I really enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it.
Precious is the main character in the book, and honestly is aptly named. When two new children start at her school - she goes out of her way to make them feel welcome and that they belong. Precious notices that her new friends Teb and Ponstsho are from a poor family as she notices that they do not have shoes. Teb and Ponstcho invite Precious over to their house to see their pet.
As Precious approaches the house - she sees that it is not a very large house and wondered how all six family members lived in it. 'But she did not want to say anything about that, as people are usually proud of their homes and do not like other people (and that means us) to point out that their houses are too small, or too uncomfortable, or the wrong shape. Ans so she said, "That's a nice house, Teb." That was not a lie. It is not a lie to say something nice to somebody. You have to remember that you can usually find something good to say about anything if you look hard enough. And it's kind too.'
As you can see, I really enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it.
January 1, 2019
In this short, hour long audiobook, read again by the wonderful Andoh, Precious makes two new friends, and learns of a secret, one of them is the friend of a Meerkat! Then the family's cow goes missing and Precious is on the case, luckily she knows someone who can help them identify their cow, even out of a huge herd of cattle.
This story, with the descriptions of the meerkat valiently battling snakes, put me in mind of Tikki Tikki Tembo (?) which was also the story of a brave meerkat defending the family home from vipers.
Again, a lot of fun, good messages, and role modeling from Precious, not to mention a clever solution to every problem. Would be a nice family listen.
This story, with the descriptions of the meerkat valiently battling snakes, put me in mind of Tikki Tikki Tembo (?) which was also the story of a brave meerkat defending the family home from vipers.
Again, a lot of fun, good messages, and role modeling from Precious, not to mention a clever solution to every problem. Would be a nice family listen.
January 4, 2019
Rating between 3.5 & 4
I don’t normally rate a single short story more than 3 but in this case I felt I would make an exception.
This is a story for parents to read to their children I think, the language is very simple and the explanation of various unfamiliar things/ideas is very well done.
The small illustrations are nicely done and I expect look very nice in a physical copy.
Overall a nice short story that might almost be described as a novella for the young reader.
The author is a real master storyteller I think and would recommend this, his lady detective series and Scotland street series to anyone.
I don’t normally rate a single short story more than 3 but in this case I felt I would make an exception.
This is a story for parents to read to their children I think, the language is very simple and the explanation of various unfamiliar things/ideas is very well done.
The small illustrations are nicely done and I expect look very nice in a physical copy.
Overall a nice short story that might almost be described as a novella for the young reader.
The author is a real master storyteller I think and would recommend this, his lady detective series and Scotland street series to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews