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The Great Puptective
A set-in-his-ways housecat has his routine upended by an enthusiastic new puppy with a nose for solving mysteries in this first adorable book in a graphic novel chapter book series perfect for fans of InvestiGators and Narwhal and Jelly.
Truffles the cat is the only pet in the house and reigns in peace and quiet, only exerting himself to find the best place to take a nice, long nap—preferably in a spot of warm sunshine. Then Poppy the puppy bursts onto the scene.
Poppy is loud, enthusiastic, excitable, and—worst of all—a puptective! She’s got an eye for crime and a nose to solve all mysteries that come her way…even though she’s not completely sure what a mystery is.
Truffles cannot let this intrusion stand. Poppy won’t be able to continue disrupting his precious me-time if she’s shipped to the North Pole! But could this irrepressible new companion be just what this grumpy cat needs?
Truffles the cat is the only pet in the house and reigns in peace and quiet, only exerting himself to find the best place to take a nice, long nap—preferably in a spot of warm sunshine. Then Poppy the puppy bursts onto the scene.
Poppy is loud, enthusiastic, excitable, and—worst of all—a puptective! She’s got an eye for crime and a nose to solve all mysteries that come her way…even though she’s not completely sure what a mystery is.
Truffles cannot let this intrusion stand. Poppy won’t be able to continue disrupting his precious me-time if she’s shipped to the North Pole! But could this irrepressible new companion be just what this grumpy cat needs?
128 pages, Hardcover
Published March 19, 2024
10 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 21, 2024
This is an adorable early graphic novel that follows the dynamics between two rescue pets: one cat and one dog. The puppy yearns to be a detective and the cat just wants the house to himself. What follows is a series of hilarious moments between the two characters as they figure out how to share a living space. The story comes full circle with a cute conclusion. I adored the artwork and I’m excited to see if we get any future installments.
January 15, 2025
My 7.5 year old nephew and I enjoyed this quite a bit. Sweet and funny
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March 19, 2024Read for work — so so sweet and humorous. Loved it!
April 13, 2025
The Great Puptective
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.57/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 8
Writing - 6
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 7
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.57/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 8
Writing - 6
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 7
June 5, 2025
Entertaining enough but a bit chaotic and forgettable.
April 18, 2024
Very much meant for young readers, but had to support “Beanie”. It was such a light, fun, kind-hearted tale.
March 15, 2024
In this childlike early graphic novel, Truffles the cat is hugely upset when his family grows by one with the addition of Poppy the puppy. Not only is Poppy noisy and overactive, but she claims to be a 'puptective.' As Poppy works to find something to investigate, Truffles does his best to find a way to get rid of the annoying addition to his quiet life. Disguises, traps, pawprints galore lead Poppy into an investigation unlike any she could have imagined. With large eyes and round ears, the adorable pup is bound to find fans immediately. The large, easy to read text and full color illustrations add to the appeal and make the book easy to read. The amusing storyline is likely to lead to giggles and oohs and aahs. While Poppy isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, her enthusiasm is contagious. And Truffles discovers that being alone isn't all it's cracked up to be. The bonus section that teaches young readers how to draw Truffles and Poppy may inspire kids to create their own 'puptective' adventures.
March 21, 2024
This is a cute series starter for chapter book readers wanting a graphic novel. The text is pretty accessible and follows the images in a way that is good for readers less comfortable with reading comics. The pet antics are pretty classic -- there are lots of stories with cats and dogs in competition -- but this one does it well. Truffle's attempts to sabotage the new puppy, Poppy, backfire in hilarious ways time after time. Fun and chaotic.
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March 12, 2024See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/the-gr...
THE GREAT PUPTECTIVE is a delightful graphic novel that will work well for early readers. Truffles the Cat is surprised by a new box in his home, and even more surprised to find that the box contains Poppy the Puptective. Poppy is ready for a case - after speaking with Truffles, their first case is to figure out their case. Truffles does not like Poppy, and he decides to set his own plans in motion, especially when their owner gets upset at him for the things he has done, such as knocking over a plant and a cake.
The Puptective is on the case, especially when the Blanket Bandit (aka Truffles in disguise) sets up elaborate traps and clues for her. When the Blanket Bandit's final trap works and Poppy gets taken away, Truffles begins to realize how much he misses her. He sets out, following the Puptective's teachings, to get her back.
What I loved: This is an adorable and silly graphic novel for young readers that is broken into chapters. Early independent readers who still appreciate a lot of pictures will be delighted to follow along with this story. Most panels feature brief text, and guiding text in between helps to facilitate the story where needed. This is great for readers who prefer to explore through pictures and are just beginning their foray into graphic novels and/or those who just love graphic novels!
The story is cute with plenty of silly moments that the readers will understand before the animals do. For instance, Poppy is confused about some pawprints and where they lead - but the reader will understand that they are, in fact, hers. Similar mishaps and misunderstandings give plenty of giggles along the way.
The images are simple but really pull the reader into the story with a very expressive Truffles and Poppy. They provide the context needed for the text, which will help fill in the blanks for readers being introduced to new words. The end of the story is sweet with Truffles coming around to Poppy, a familiar feeling for when children find that they actually like something new that seemed difficult or scary at first. The backmatter includes instructions for drawing the characters so that children can extend their fun by making up their own Puptective stories.
Final verdict: THE GREAT PUPTECTIVE is a delightful graphic novel chapter book that is sure to entertain young elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
THE GREAT PUPTECTIVE is a delightful graphic novel that will work well for early readers. Truffles the Cat is surprised by a new box in his home, and even more surprised to find that the box contains Poppy the Puptective. Poppy is ready for a case - after speaking with Truffles, their first case is to figure out their case. Truffles does not like Poppy, and he decides to set his own plans in motion, especially when their owner gets upset at him for the things he has done, such as knocking over a plant and a cake.
The Puptective is on the case, especially when the Blanket Bandit (aka Truffles in disguise) sets up elaborate traps and clues for her. When the Blanket Bandit's final trap works and Poppy gets taken away, Truffles begins to realize how much he misses her. He sets out, following the Puptective's teachings, to get her back.
What I loved: This is an adorable and silly graphic novel for young readers that is broken into chapters. Early independent readers who still appreciate a lot of pictures will be delighted to follow along with this story. Most panels feature brief text, and guiding text in between helps to facilitate the story where needed. This is great for readers who prefer to explore through pictures and are just beginning their foray into graphic novels and/or those who just love graphic novels!
The story is cute with plenty of silly moments that the readers will understand before the animals do. For instance, Poppy is confused about some pawprints and where they lead - but the reader will understand that they are, in fact, hers. Similar mishaps and misunderstandings give plenty of giggles along the way.
The images are simple but really pull the reader into the story with a very expressive Truffles and Poppy. They provide the context needed for the text, which will help fill in the blanks for readers being introduced to new words. The end of the story is sweet with Truffles coming around to Poppy, a familiar feeling for when children find that they actually like something new that seemed difficult or scary at first. The backmatter includes instructions for drawing the characters so that children can extend their fun by making up their own Puptective stories.
Final verdict: THE GREAT PUPTECTIVE is a delightful graphic novel chapter book that is sure to entertain young elementary school aged readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 18, 2024
Cuteness, mystery, forming friendships, and lots of silliness are sure to delight beginning readers, while strengthening those word skills.
Truffles enjoys life as the only pet in the house, but when a box arrives, things change. Inside is Poppy, a puppy with a nose for mystery and clues. And Poppy might be a bit too energetic for Truffles' taste. Poppy has one goal in life: solve the case. The first case composes of finding a case. The second, actually, might be a somewhat real one...but the games are about to change. Poppy leaves, and Truffles needs to discovers the talent for sleuthing if the grumpy cat ever wants to see the irritating puppy again.
Graphics drive this tale forward. Each one holds cartoon-ish goodness and brings the moments to life with the needed humor, zing, or fitting emotions. These are easy on the eyes (not too small or crowded) and very age appropriate from the style side, too. The text is kept concise and won't scare more reluctant readers away. This appears in the image or adds tidbits on the side as needed to move the story along. The words are for beginning readers but also stretch the vocabulary enough to raise the skills. It's a great balance, since readers who are a bit confused can find enough hints in the images to keep them from feeling lost or left behind.
The mix of mystery and fun is simply adorable, especially with two characters, who are as opposite as can be. Truffles' grumpiness can't easily coexist with Poppy's determined detective skills...a relationship, which guarantees funny moments. Poppy also has a lot to learn on the clue-finding end, and there are more than a couple scenes, which readers will realize mistakes and giggle. But what wins over is the forming friendship and heart, especially when Truffles realizes the impossible has happened and goes way beyond a cat's comfort zone. It's a cute lesson for life.
This is a lovely beginning to what I hope is a new series because this duo seems to be ready for many more adventures to come. I received a DRC and enjoyed these characters quite a bit.
Truffles enjoys life as the only pet in the house, but when a box arrives, things change. Inside is Poppy, a puppy with a nose for mystery and clues. And Poppy might be a bit too energetic for Truffles' taste. Poppy has one goal in life: solve the case. The first case composes of finding a case. The second, actually, might be a somewhat real one...but the games are about to change. Poppy leaves, and Truffles needs to discovers the talent for sleuthing if the grumpy cat ever wants to see the irritating puppy again.
Graphics drive this tale forward. Each one holds cartoon-ish goodness and brings the moments to life with the needed humor, zing, or fitting emotions. These are easy on the eyes (not too small or crowded) and very age appropriate from the style side, too. The text is kept concise and won't scare more reluctant readers away. This appears in the image or adds tidbits on the side as needed to move the story along. The words are for beginning readers but also stretch the vocabulary enough to raise the skills. It's a great balance, since readers who are a bit confused can find enough hints in the images to keep them from feeling lost or left behind.
The mix of mystery and fun is simply adorable, especially with two characters, who are as opposite as can be. Truffles' grumpiness can't easily coexist with Poppy's determined detective skills...a relationship, which guarantees funny moments. Poppy also has a lot to learn on the clue-finding end, and there are more than a couple scenes, which readers will realize mistakes and giggle. But what wins over is the forming friendship and heart, especially when Truffles realizes the impossible has happened and goes way beyond a cat's comfort zone. It's a cute lesson for life.
This is a lovely beginning to what I hope is a new series because this duo seems to be ready for many more adventures to come. I received a DRC and enjoyed these characters quite a bit.
October 21, 2024
Truffles is a two year old rescue cat. He loves peace and quiet. But Mom thinks he needs a friend. So after another visit to the shelter, Truffles receives a gift box filled with a three month old puppy named Poppy. Poppy is convinced that she is a great detective (she even has a hat - and a list of memorized detective rules!) and immediately starts investigating everything.
Truffles is a bit perturbed and knocks over one of Mom's plants in hopes that Poppy will be blamed. It backfires. He tries again with the cake and the garden. Poppy is a bit too naive to figure out Truffles ulterior motives but the plan once again goes awry as Truffles wreaks havoc and is caught with cake on his claws.
Next he sets up a series of Rube Goldberg devices, determined to ultimately trap Poppy and send her to the North Pole! This time his plan works (eventually). But the house seems very empty and boring without Poppy. Can he use detecting skills to rescue her and bring her back home?
Cute illustrations. Drawing lessons included.
Truffles is a bit perturbed and knocks over one of Mom's plants in hopes that Poppy will be blamed. It backfires. He tries again with the cake and the garden. Poppy is a bit too naive to figure out Truffles ulterior motives but the plan once again goes awry as Truffles wreaks havoc and is caught with cake on his claws.
Next he sets up a series of Rube Goldberg devices, determined to ultimately trap Poppy and send her to the North Pole! This time his plan works (eventually). But the house seems very empty and boring without Poppy. Can he use detecting skills to rescue her and bring her back home?
Cute illustrations. Drawing lessons included.
March 25, 2024
First sentence: One day, Sasha the human came home with a strange box. I think it's about time that Truffles got a friend.
Premise/plot: Early chapter book in "graphic novel" format. (In other words, an illustrated chapter book with plenty of speech bubbles showing the dialogue). Truffles is not thrilled that his new "friend" is an enthusiastic puppy named Poppy. Poppy considers herself an amateur detective always on the case. Cases seem to find her most of the time, even if they aren't really proper cases. Truffles may just have enough of Poppy one of these days....
My thoughts: I really LOVED the characters Poppy and Truffles. The book is silly, cute, fun. I loved how the story unfolded throughout the book. Definitely reminded me of old school Garfield and Friends episodes in the best way possible.
Premise/plot: Early chapter book in "graphic novel" format. (In other words, an illustrated chapter book with plenty of speech bubbles showing the dialogue). Truffles is not thrilled that his new "friend" is an enthusiastic puppy named Poppy. Poppy considers herself an amateur detective always on the case. Cases seem to find her most of the time, even if they aren't really proper cases. Truffles may just have enough of Poppy one of these days....
My thoughts: I really LOVED the characters Poppy and Truffles. The book is silly, cute, fun. I loved how the story unfolded throughout the book. Definitely reminded me of old school Garfield and Friends episodes in the best way possible.
April 8, 2024
Truffles the cat gets a new housemate when his owner brings home a young puppy. Poppy, who sports a tiny deerstalker à la Sherlock Holmes, is a self-described ‘puptective,’ and immediately looks for mysteries to solve. The thing is, the only mystery is that there is no mystery! Unless you count the ways that Truffles endeavors to blame Poppy for mayhem…
This is a hilarious, lighthearted romp, with cat vs dog and old vs young. Kids will laugh at Truffles’ efforts to discredit Poppy and Poppy’s single minded and clueless pursuit of all things mysterious. The pets are rendered in simple shapes with huge expressive eyes. The finished copy will be in full color. There’s a ‘Bonus’ section on how to draw Truffles and Poppy. The pets’ owner is a brown-skinned woman. The next volume is already in the works.
This is a hilarious, lighthearted romp, with cat vs dog and old vs young. Kids will laugh at Truffles’ efforts to discredit Poppy and Poppy’s single minded and clueless pursuit of all things mysterious. The pets are rendered in simple shapes with huge expressive eyes. The finished copy will be in full color. There’s a ‘Bonus’ section on how to draw Truffles and Poppy. The pets’ owner is a brown-skinned woman. The next volume is already in the works.
October 7, 2024
3 stars (I liked it)
This was a beginning graphic novel about a new puppy who tries to solve mysteries in the house. In doing so, he accidentally gets the cat in trouble and so the cat wants revenge. It's cute to see the interactions between the two and the book could be a good introduction to mystery elements (although there isn't really an actual mystery in the book haha. They do talk about clues and evidence though).
This was a beginning graphic novel about a new puppy who tries to solve mysteries in the house. In doing so, he accidentally gets the cat in trouble and so the cat wants revenge. It's cute to see the interactions between the two and the book could be a good introduction to mystery elements (although there isn't really an actual mystery in the book haha. They do talk about clues and evidence though).
March 27, 2024
Oh my gosh this was adorable. Definitely leans in to that stereotypical cat/puppy relationship. I love the simple drawings that still convey so much emotion and playfulness. Did I need just a short, adorable comic book right now? Maybe... but this one is short, sweet, adorable, easy to digest, has a happy ending, and has cool hats.
July 11, 2024
While I didn't like it as much as I had hoped, Tysoe is still fantastic. Her Puptective is pure Beanie and Tysoe even makes an "adult" appearance. Silly, fun and typical little kid antics. For fans of Tysoe, but also a fun early read to get your child into this author/illustrator. Fun extras to show you how to draw our heroes.
March 5, 2025
What a wonderful book filled with the artwork of Alina! I’ve followed her what’s up beanie for a while and it always makes me so happy to see her comics. So a full book is wonderful!
And so creative with giving both characters such personalities! The facial expressions show so much for such simplistic artwork. This will be a great book for both kids and adults alike.
And so creative with giving both characters such personalities! The facial expressions show so much for such simplistic artwork. This will be a great book for both kids and adults alike.
March 11, 2025
Puptective is a little over the top. Wanting to solve mysteries, searching for clues and driving Truffles crazy. Truffles just wants peace and quiet. He wants to get rid of Puptective...maybe send her to the north pole.Cats are easily irritated and Truffles is no exception. Will he find peace of mind or will he learn to be friends with wild Puptective?
February 7, 2024
This book is SO STINKING CUTE. I smiled the whole way through! The facial expressions, the shenanigans and hijinx…everything is purrfection! You won’t want to miss this epic investigation with the Great Puptective!
April 12, 2024
Great fun for early independent readers. I love Tysoe's webcomics and am always on the prowl for books to recommend children at work and this easily hits the sweet spot for kids moving out of easy readers and into chapter books. Very fun!
November 7, 2024
It says middle grade but my 2nd Grader loved it and found it funny.
I didn’t see anything more complex than I’ve seen with other later elementary school books. The language or concepts weren’t outside of something like the Biscuit series by Alyssa Capucilli.
I didn’t see anything more complex than I’ve seen with other later elementary school books. The language or concepts weren’t outside of something like the Biscuit series by Alyssa Capucilli.
January 5, 2025
Humour, fun story, great visuals and two lovely characters have made this an absolute favorite in my house! My 8yr old son practiced his reading with it and it was just a delight to read start to finish.
July 7, 2025
Cute little graphic novel. Poppy puppy and truffles golden cat. Puptect poppy has rules for puptecting.
Fun traps, truffles’s elaborate, poppy’s simple
Drawing instructions
Attentive readers will notice 2nd book gain a little frog friend - epilogue says 68 of them
Fun traps, truffles’s elaborate, poppy’s simple
Drawing instructions
Attentive readers will notice 2nd book gain a little frog friend - epilogue says 68 of them
September 15, 2025
Great for beginning readers - sort of around a Scholastic Acorn/Branches level of book.
My only complaint is that while the cat is adorable I don't think the dog is cute at all!! I really would have liked this better with a cuter dog!
My only complaint is that while the cat is adorable I don't think the dog is cute at all!! I really would have liked this better with a cuter dog!
March 26, 2024
This is the cutest book I’ve ever read and I’m buying 3 more copies for friends! 7 year old and I thought it was absolutely hilarious and we loved the illustrations. Highly recommend!
March 29, 2024
This is so fucking cute I wanna die, I love this author her webcomics so fun and adorable and this is just so cute!!!
April 1, 2024
Grumpy kitty meets excited puppy. Can they be friends? Maybe!
I love it. Poppy reminded me so much of my dog.
I love it. Poppy reminded me so much of my dog.
May 18, 2024
Adorable! 🐶🐱🔍😊
June 21, 2024
Such a cute detective! And such a devious cat! Young readers will love this funny graphic novel!
July 25, 2024
A quick read for Miss 9 who loves animals.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews