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Cam Jansen Mysteries #3
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones
When she notices some bones missing from a dinosaur skeleton exhibited in the museum, a young girl with a photographic memory tries to discover who has been taking them and why.
64 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 1980
101 people are currently reading
797 people want to read
About the author
David A. Adler
400 books202 followersDavid Abraham Adler is an American children's author. He was born in New York City, New York in 1947. He graduated from Queens College in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in economics and education. For the next nine years, he worked as a mathematics teacher for the New York City Board of Education, while taking classes towards a master's degree in marketing, a degree he was awarded by New York University in 1971. In that same year, a question from his then-three-year-old nephew inspired Adler to write his first story, A Little at a Time, subsequently published by Random House in 1976. Adler's next project, a series of math books, drew on his experience as a math teacher. In 1977, he created his most famous character, Cam Jansen, originally featured in Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, which was published that year.
Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.
Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.
As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.
(source: Wikipedia)
Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.
Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.
As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.
(source: Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 16, 2020
When Cam Jansen and her best friend Eric visit the local museum on a class field trip, the fifth-grade sleuth with a photographic memory realizes that there are three bones missing from the Coelophysis skeleton. Although she attempts to notify the museum guide, her concern is brushed aside. Cam and Eric return to the museum after school, but their attempt to hide in the display room, to see what is going on, is foiled. Will they manage to discover where the missing dinosaur bones have gone?
The third entry in David A. Adler's beginning chapter-book series about Cam and her mysterious adventures, Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones was first published in 1980, and is a book that I recall reading as a girl, along with its companions. Some of the information is dated, particularly the description of the Brachiosaurus as the biggest dinosaur. This may have been true at that time of publication, but more current research and discovery would indicate that the Titanosaur or Agentinosaur can claim that honor. There is also a dated feeling when it comes to the freedom Cam and Eric have, to bicycle all around town on their own, without notifying their parents. Leaving these issues aside, this is an engaging, fairly non-threatening mystery for beginning chapter-book readers, particularly those who love dinosaurs.
The third entry in David A. Adler's beginning chapter-book series about Cam and her mysterious adventures, Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones was first published in 1980, and is a book that I recall reading as a girl, along with its companions. Some of the information is dated, particularly the description of the Brachiosaurus as the biggest dinosaur. This may have been true at that time of publication, but more current research and discovery would indicate that the Titanosaur or Agentinosaur can claim that honor. There is also a dated feeling when it comes to the freedom Cam and Eric have, to bicycle all around town on their own, without notifying their parents. Leaving these issues aside, this is an engaging, fairly non-threatening mystery for beginning chapter-book readers, particularly those who love dinosaurs.
April 21, 2011
The original Cam Jansen series follows the exploits of 10-year-old 5th grader Jennifer "the Camera" (aka "Cam") Jansen and her best friend, classmate, and neighbor Eric Shelton. Cam got her nickname because of her photographic memory. All she has to do is say "Click," and Cam can remember everything she's seen, which comes in pretty handy when trying to solve mysteries.
David Adler has written several beginning chapter book series, but Cam Jansen is one of the earliest and most successful. He's been writing the series since 1980 and now writes roughly one volume per year. He has also started a Young Cam Jansen series of even simpler chapter books. Reading level wise, I'd say children they'd interest children from kindergarden through fifth grade who are just starting to read chapter books. I didn't read any of the the young Cam Jansen books, but it looks like they're more limited in scope and probably would be considered "baby books" to anyone beyond 2nd grade.
Because the books are so short, I read essentially the first half of the series and the 25th anniversary special "The Valentine Day Baby Mystery" where Cam's mom has twins, ending Cam's only child status, and Eric's mom has her car stolen, only to be returned when Cam's quick thinking discovers the thief.
Overall I was surprised at how engaging these stories were. I would totally recommend them to children just starting to read chapter books. The print is big and there are still several black and white drawings scattered throughout the text, making them an easy transition from picture books. Plus, they're well-written enough that I think they can nudge children to move on to better quality titles as they move on to longer chapter books.
Of course they're not perfect, though. It seems that adults Cam and Eric interact with choose to not accept Cam's photographic memory only when it's necessary to create tension in the story. Otherwise most adults take for granted that this 10-year-old can solve diamond thefts and bank robberies. Still, it has to be empowering for kids to read about someone close to their age solving mysteries like that.
I was also kind of bothered by the way Cam always ends up being right. Sometimes she comes off as a little too cocky and unwilling to listen to others. In nearly every story Eric plays the wet blanket suggesting that they tell an adult what they've discovered rather than trying to catch the bad guy on their own. However Cam always forges ahead and ends up getting her suspect. Again, I'm sure kids love the feeling of accomplishment, but sometimes it feels like Cam's walking the fine line between extreme confidence and recklessness, as in the Chocolate Fudge Mystery where she trespasses into someone's back yard just because she thinks it's weird that no one's home. Her dad and Eric both tell her she shouldn't be doing this, but Cam doesn't care because she's certain there's a mystery to be solved. She turns out be right (there's a bank robber hiding in the house) and her disregard for strangers' privacy is forgotten.
And honestly, that's the problem I had with these books when I was little. While it was cool to read about a kid doing cool stuff like solving robberies, I could always tell that the stories weren't quite true to real life. I guess that's why I always preferred stories of kids doing amazing things that were based off real stories like Island of the Blue Dolphins or at least seemed more realistic.
My husband, however, loved these books as a kid and said he read every one he could get his hands on when he was younger, so I guess that's at least some proof of their appeal to both sexes. Both libraries I checked these books out from had multiple copies of the titles in this series and even then I had trouble finding all the titles actually on the shelf, so they continue to be popular titles. I think they would be great additions to a school or public library collection.
David Adler has written several beginning chapter book series, but Cam Jansen is one of the earliest and most successful. He's been writing the series since 1980 and now writes roughly one volume per year. He has also started a Young Cam Jansen series of even simpler chapter books. Reading level wise, I'd say children they'd interest children from kindergarden through fifth grade who are just starting to read chapter books. I didn't read any of the the young Cam Jansen books, but it looks like they're more limited in scope and probably would be considered "baby books" to anyone beyond 2nd grade.
Because the books are so short, I read essentially the first half of the series and the 25th anniversary special "The Valentine Day Baby Mystery" where Cam's mom has twins, ending Cam's only child status, and Eric's mom has her car stolen, only to be returned when Cam's quick thinking discovers the thief.
Overall I was surprised at how engaging these stories were. I would totally recommend them to children just starting to read chapter books. The print is big and there are still several black and white drawings scattered throughout the text, making them an easy transition from picture books. Plus, they're well-written enough that I think they can nudge children to move on to better quality titles as they move on to longer chapter books.
Of course they're not perfect, though. It seems that adults Cam and Eric interact with choose to not accept Cam's photographic memory only when it's necessary to create tension in the story. Otherwise most adults take for granted that this 10-year-old can solve diamond thefts and bank robberies. Still, it has to be empowering for kids to read about someone close to their age solving mysteries like that.
I was also kind of bothered by the way Cam always ends up being right. Sometimes she comes off as a little too cocky and unwilling to listen to others. In nearly every story Eric plays the wet blanket suggesting that they tell an adult what they've discovered rather than trying to catch the bad guy on their own. However Cam always forges ahead and ends up getting her suspect. Again, I'm sure kids love the feeling of accomplishment, but sometimes it feels like Cam's walking the fine line between extreme confidence and recklessness, as in the Chocolate Fudge Mystery where she trespasses into someone's back yard just because she thinks it's weird that no one's home. Her dad and Eric both tell her she shouldn't be doing this, but Cam doesn't care because she's certain there's a mystery to be solved. She turns out be right (there's a bank robber hiding in the house) and her disregard for strangers' privacy is forgotten.
And honestly, that's the problem I had with these books when I was little. While it was cool to read about a kid doing cool stuff like solving robberies, I could always tell that the stories weren't quite true to real life. I guess that's why I always preferred stories of kids doing amazing things that were based off real stories like Island of the Blue Dolphins or at least seemed more realistic.
My husband, however, loved these books as a kid and said he read every one he could get his hands on when he was younger, so I guess that's at least some proof of their appeal to both sexes. Both libraries I checked these books out from had multiple copies of the titles in this series and even then I had trouble finding all the titles actually on the shelf, so they continue to be popular titles. I think they would be great additions to a school or public library collection.
November 30, 2008
Cam Jansen realizes that three bones on a dinosaur model in a museum are missing and sets out to solve the mystery.
Ages 8-12
Cam Jansen's real first name is Jennifer, but her friends call her Cam because of her photographic memory. When she takes a mental picture, she says "click". In this story, part of a large series of mysteries, Cam and her friend Eric are touring a natural history museum. Cam remembers that one of the dinosaurs had more bones in its tail the last time she visited. The tour guide denies this, and seems hostile to her inquiries.
Just as they leave the museum, Cam and Eric notice a mysterious milk truck picking up a carton outside the museum. Cam remembers that the brand of milk in the museum cafeteria is different. She and Eric set out on a dangerous mission to solve the mystery on their bicycles. It doesn't really matter that the situation is unlikely. This book would be an entertaining read for new chapter book readers. With a similar feel to easy readers, but slightly denser text and smaller font, the book contains black and white pictures every 2-5 pages or so. Nothing violent happens, so the story would be suitable for readers 6 and up.
Because this book was originally published in 1981 and it is part of a large series, it was difficult to find online reviews of this book in electronic databases. Amazon.com quotes reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal, but it is unclear whether they refer to this specific book. The quote from School Library Journal praised the clever plot and heroine, and said the book was a "zestful mystery". The Booklist quote was less helpful, and merely praised the heroine. Amazon's publisher review helpfully mentions that this book is suitable for readers who are transitioning to chapter books.
Ages 8-12
Cam Jansen's real first name is Jennifer, but her friends call her Cam because of her photographic memory. When she takes a mental picture, she says "click". In this story, part of a large series of mysteries, Cam and her friend Eric are touring a natural history museum. Cam remembers that one of the dinosaurs had more bones in its tail the last time she visited. The tour guide denies this, and seems hostile to her inquiries.
Just as they leave the museum, Cam and Eric notice a mysterious milk truck picking up a carton outside the museum. Cam remembers that the brand of milk in the museum cafeteria is different. She and Eric set out on a dangerous mission to solve the mystery on their bicycles. It doesn't really matter that the situation is unlikely. This book would be an entertaining read for new chapter book readers. With a similar feel to easy readers, but slightly denser text and smaller font, the book contains black and white pictures every 2-5 pages or so. Nothing violent happens, so the story would be suitable for readers 6 and up.
Because this book was originally published in 1981 and it is part of a large series, it was difficult to find online reviews of this book in electronic databases. Amazon.com quotes reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal, but it is unclear whether they refer to this specific book. The quote from School Library Journal praised the clever plot and heroine, and said the book was a "zestful mystery". The Booklist quote was less helpful, and merely praised the heroine. Amazon's publisher review helpfully mentions that this book is suitable for readers who are transitioning to chapter books.
February 1, 2024
I really liked how the milk branding was part of the mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
Nostalgic read. I loved her when I was a kid.
February 2, 2020
While visiting a museum Cam Jansen notices that the tail of a Coelophysis dinosaur on display had something very wrong with it. Three of the bones are missing! With the help of her friend Eric and her photographic memory, Cam sets out to unravel this fun mystery with an incredible skill to help her. All she has to do to gather evidence, is focus on an object and say, "Click" and the facts are saved in her incredible mind to analyze later.
Eric and Cam connect a mysterious milk delivery truck to the missing bones and soon the pair are biking across town after the villains.
I read this book with my third grade class during a Lucy Calkin's mystery unit of study and they loved it. This book makes a great mentor text as students learn what makes a great mystery plot. It would also work well as a mentor text to demonstrate character development and dialogue during writer workshop student conferences.
Eric and Cam connect a mysterious milk delivery truck to the missing bones and soon the pair are biking across town after the villains.
I read this book with my third grade class during a Lucy Calkin's mystery unit of study and they loved it. This book makes a great mentor text as students learn what makes a great mystery plot. It would also work well as a mentor text to demonstrate character development and dialogue during writer workshop student conferences.
February 19, 2024
STEM book club book.
March 30, 2009
David A. Adler, Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones (Scholastic, 1981)
Straightforward early-grade mystery that's about as complex as an Encyclopedia Brown story, but takes up a good deal more space; one wonders at the expansive real estate. Still, mystery novels for kids were not a huge commodity back in the eighties (before the term “chapter books” had come about to describe this category of kidlit), and as with any vertical-market application, authors could get away with more, which is why when someone came out with a really good novel-length kidlit mystery, my whole school went nuts. (If you're old enough, remember how popular The Westing Game was when it appeared, for example?) Still, the plot is fun and the characters are as well, and if you don't mind your mystery elements predictable and simplistic, it's not bad. Just don't expect something as complex and engrossing as the average modern kidlit mystery. ***
Straightforward early-grade mystery that's about as complex as an Encyclopedia Brown story, but takes up a good deal more space; one wonders at the expansive real estate. Still, mystery novels for kids were not a huge commodity back in the eighties (before the term “chapter books” had come about to describe this category of kidlit), and as with any vertical-market application, authors could get away with more, which is why when someone came out with a really good novel-length kidlit mystery, my whole school went nuts. (If you're old enough, remember how popular The Westing Game was when it appeared, for example?) Still, the plot is fun and the characters are as well, and if you don't mind your mystery elements predictable and simplistic, it's not bad. Just don't expect something as complex and engrossing as the average modern kidlit mystery. ***
April 25, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
*Please Note that the following review is the general review on the Cam Jansen Mysteries *
I loved this series as a kid. I believe I was about 6 to 8 when I read these books and it would be the beginning of my love of mysteries. Cam Jansen, about 10 years old, uses her photographic memory to solve mysteries. They remind me of Agatha Christie novels but for children beginning to read chapter books. I would call these one step above the easy readers.
(Review Not on Blog)
*Please Note that the following review is the general review on the Cam Jansen Mysteries *
I loved this series as a kid. I believe I was about 6 to 8 when I read these books and it would be the beginning of my love of mysteries. Cam Jansen, about 10 years old, uses her photographic memory to solve mysteries. They remind me of Agatha Christie novels but for children beginning to read chapter books. I would call these one step above the easy readers.
February 7, 2017
How to write a children's mystery series, lesson 3. 1) Don't be lazy and simply write, almost word for word, what you've already written. 2) Don't write about things a ten-year-old wouldn't do, like hide in a museum after the museum closes as most children would find that idea terrifying.. 3) And finally, do NOT have children ride bikes in the streets to follow a truck. So, rather, today's lesson is what NOT to do.
March 29, 2009
This book was about a dinosaur skeleton in the museum that was missing 3 bones. Cam Jansen and Eric found them. The tour guide stole the bones because she wanted to bury them and dig them up and pretend she found them. The tour guide wanted to be famous for finding the bones. I learned about dinosaurs.
Maddie
Maddie
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2023
I loved this series when I was younger, even though I had only read this book (well, a different edition). I am fascinated by eidetic memory, so I loved her character and abilities.
Then I rediscovered the series and found THIS edition.
...
Do I need to explain what's wrong? Hint: It's in the title, even though that's not the ones specified in the story!
I just get mad when skulls are drawn like skin, without the appropriate joint so a jaw can actually OPEN AND CLOSE, rather than just be this fused-open mouth! It's annoyingly common, such that it's clear when an artist has never drawn or thought about bones before.
So I dislike this edition out of principle.
OTHERWISE, the story is fine. It's a cute mystery, even though the villains' plan is kind of ridiculous (bones out of context lose a lot of their value, and I'm sure museums have a way to track things like this anyway). Recommended for young mystery fans all the same!
Then I rediscovered the series and found THIS edition.
...
Do I need to explain what's wrong? Hint: It's in the title, even though that's not the ones specified in the story!
I just get mad when skulls are drawn like skin, without the appropriate joint so a jaw can actually OPEN AND CLOSE, rather than just be this fused-open mouth! It's annoyingly common, such that it's clear when an artist has never drawn or thought about bones before.
So I dislike this edition out of principle.
OTHERWISE, the story is fine. It's a cute mystery, even though the villains' plan is kind of ridiculous (bones out of context lose a lot of their value, and I'm sure museums have a way to track things like this anyway). Recommended for young mystery fans all the same!
January 10, 2022
Cam Jansen is a classic mystery series in the world of In-Between books. It's on the higher end of In-Between, for readers who are almost ready to embark on middle-grade novels but are still a bit intimidated by longer books. It certainly appeals to me more than many In-Between books, which may be due to it being rather dated as much as its higher reading level. I doubt many modern children are likely to understand what a telephone booth is, for instance.
Jennifer Jansen is known as "Cam" short for Camera because she has a photographic memory, which is pretty key to her ability to solve all the mysteries she encounters. Her free-range childhood that allows her to go unaccompanied by an adult throughout town may seem preposterous to the modern child but that she can uncover and solve a museum mystery and is ultimately taken seriously by the adults was more preposterous to me. Nonetheless, she is an engaging heroine and I enjoyed the agency she has in using her unique skill to save the day.
Jennifer Jansen is known as "Cam" short for Camera because she has a photographic memory, which is pretty key to her ability to solve all the mysteries she encounters. Her free-range childhood that allows her to go unaccompanied by an adult throughout town may seem preposterous to the modern child but that she can uncover and solve a museum mystery and is ultimately taken seriously by the adults was more preposterous to me. Nonetheless, she is an engaging heroine and I enjoyed the agency she has in using her unique skill to save the day.
January 19, 2020
A very quick read, this book is meant for children transitioning to chapter books. I’d never read Cam Jansen before, but picked it up because we have a bit of a dinosaur obsession in our house right now. Cam has a photographic memory, and while on a class field trip to the museum, she realizes that three dinosaur bones are missing from the exhibit. Can she figure out where they went? Her best buddy Eric is at her side through the whole adventure!
October 6, 2020
Because of her photographic memory, Cam realizes that a dinosaur exhibit is missing some bones. When no one at the museum believes her, she and Eric investigate on their own, putting the clues together and solving the crime.
A bit of action and adventure, but also enough clues for a first or second grader to put together and solve it on their own.
A lot of these need some technology descriptions for today's kids. They often have camcorders or film. This one has a phone booth.
A bit of action and adventure, but also enough clues for a first or second grader to put together and solve it on their own.
A lot of these need some technology descriptions for today's kids. They often have camcorders or film. This one has a phone booth.
October 13, 2021
Cam's class went on a field trip to the museum. One of the dinosaurs was missing three bones. When Cam and Eric were leaving from school, they saw a milk truck and they decided to follow it because they knew that the museum didn't use the kind of milk that was on the milk truck. They figured out the milk man's wife was their tour guide, Janet Taylor. Janet and the milk man stole the bones. Nobody got arrested which made it SO boring!
August 21, 2022
this is my 2nd cam jansen book and i actually saw this in the 2nd hand book store today! so i bought it just so i can read it.
it’s an easy read as it’s for ages 8-12. i just really don’t think that this is realistic. when cam and eric entered the home of the milkman and janet, they weren’t harmed. not trying to promote violence or anything, it’s just that thieves or criminals aren’t the type to just talk to people (especially kids) who are trying to spoil their plans.
it’s an easy read as it’s for ages 8-12. i just really don’t think that this is realistic. when cam and eric entered the home of the milkman and janet, they weren’t harmed. not trying to promote violence or anything, it’s just that thieves or criminals aren’t the type to just talk to people (especially kids) who are trying to spoil their plans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2017
I think you should read this Cam Jansen book because Cam and Eric were in a mystery. If you like mysteries it is going to be cool👌. They are wondering who stole the bones🙀 .But first they are missing 1 bone missing and then the other day 3. You should read the book to find out what happened to the bones!
February 12, 2019
Cam Jansen has a photographic memory. On a field trip to the museum she notices some dinosaur bones are missing. Cam and her friends solve the mystery. This is a great early-reader mystery book. The chapters are short enough to give beginning chapter book readers a sense of accomplishment. The book itself is short enough to not overwhelm students.
November 29, 2017
I think you should read this book if you like mysteries. Cam and Eric tried to solve the mystery of who stole the three bones. Cam called the milk man's name and he did't answer. Cam thought it was strange. Read the book to find out who stole the bones.
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August 27, 2018Since Goodreads has no personal notes option on iOS app, I must put my notes here. Author annoyed?
Please forward to Goodreads that they should allow their users to add personal notes on the iOS app. They don’t listen to the suggestions from their users. Cheers.
Note: Dad read this to N. Not Mom.
Please forward to Goodreads that they should allow their users to add personal notes on the iOS app. They don’t listen to the suggestions from their users. Cheers.
Note: Dad read this to N. Not Mom.
May 10, 2018
Part of the Cam Jansen series, this time some dinosaur bones go missing and Cam uses her photographic memory to help her solve the case. Very fun and interesting book that early readers would enjoy as a part of their first series. The language is fairly simple.
December 2, 2018
Genre: Mystery
Grade level 2nd-3rd
Something unique about this book is how Cam has a photographic memory. I can see children trying this at home, or pretending they are Cam. It is a cute way to bring the story to life.
Grade level 2nd-3rd
Something unique about this book is how Cam has a photographic memory. I can see children trying this at home, or pretending they are Cam. It is a cute way to bring the story to life.
February 3, 2019
My ten-year-old son read this book in one afternoon, but I was glad to see him find something to read that he finds interesting. He liked it well enough to ask for more. This is great, Cam Jansen is one of my favorite memories from my childhood.
July 31, 2020
I wasn't into this maybe if was a kid.
This girl Can her nickname cause photographic memory realizes that dinosaurs bones are missing. First no one believes her til the director went looked for his self.
The tour guide was stealing them for when she went on an actual dig.
This girl Can her nickname cause photographic memory realizes that dinosaurs bones are missing. First no one believes her til the director went looked for his self.
The tour guide was stealing them for when she went on an actual dig.
November 19, 2023
This young reader chapter mystery book is a 3rd grade level book written in 1981, but a child embarking on chapter books may find this fascinating though they might not understand what a telephone booth is. The main character Cam has a photographic memory, which helps her solve mysteries.
October 17, 2018
Cam Jansen mysteries were some of my favorite books as a kid, and this holds up very well. The mystery is simple but interesting and the reader learns some good facts along the way.
February 13, 2019
What an amazing photographic memory!
February 17, 2023
Short and sweet. My kids guessed this one from the beginning. They’re getting better at noticing the clues in a mystery. :)
July 14, 2023
"Five stars. it's great." - Peggy, 7yo
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews