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The Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection #1
Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet
Body thought to be that of E.J. Drebber discovered last night in empty London house. No obvious cause of death. Address given as Cleveland Ohio. Any information would be appreciated.
After a mysterious murder leaves the police baffled, the world's best amateur detective is asked to investigate. Along with his fellow lodger, Dr Watson, Sherlock Holmes sets about uncovering a quest for revenge that runs far deeper than anybody suspected.
About The Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection
Elementary-age reading, my dear Watson! This fun series adapts the classic mysteries of Holmes & Watson for young readers, and makes the perfect introduction to whodunit fun for ages 7 and up. All titles are also leveled for classroom use, including GRLs.
After a mysterious murder leaves the police baffled, the world's best amateur detective is asked to investigate. Along with his fellow lodger, Dr Watson, Sherlock Holmes sets about uncovering a quest for revenge that runs far deeper than anybody suspected.
About The Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection
Elementary-age reading, my dear Watson! This fun series adapts the classic mysteries of Holmes & Watson for young readers, and makes the perfect introduction to whodunit fun for ages 7 and up. All titles are also leveled for classroom use, including GRLs.
216 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2019
49 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Baudet
144 books21 followersI'm the author of over 50 books for children plus an historical novella for adults.
I have been published by such companies as Puffin, Andre Deutsch, Hamish Hamilton, Cambridge University Press, Anglia Young Books and Poolbeg Press, and I'm currently working on my third series for Sweet Cherry Publishing.
I have been teaching creative writing, as well as copy-editing and proof-reading, for over 15 years, and also do manuscript appraisals at very competitive rates.
Please see my website:
http://www.stephaniebaudet.co.uk/
I have been published by such companies as Puffin, Andre Deutsch, Hamish Hamilton, Cambridge University Press, Anglia Young Books and Poolbeg Press, and I'm currently working on my third series for Sweet Cherry Publishing.
I have been teaching creative writing, as well as copy-editing and proof-reading, for over 15 years, and also do manuscript appraisals at very competitive rates.
Please see my website:
http://www.stephaniebaudet.co.uk/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 28, 2023
Prvi dio u kojem se upoznaju Sherlock Holmes i doktor Watson je sam po sebi poseban, a kada imamo i otkriveno truplo E. J. Drebbera u jednoj praznoj kući u Londonu bez jasnog uzroka smrti, sve postaje još i bolje. Dovoljno pojednostavljeno, a da se bitnost cijele „prave“ priče ne poljulja. Zabavno i za nešto veće, ali savršeno za desetogodišnjake koji se prvi put susreću s najpoznatijim detektivom.
March 8, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Sweet Cherry Publishing for a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion. I was intrigued by this title because I have always enjoyed Sherlock Holmes stories, and wondered how this would be presented for a Middle Grades reader. I was most pleasantly surprised. The editing required to make this a Children's Collection was well done with all the major points of Sherlock and Watson and their first adventure all being very well presented to readers who are not aware of these stories. I found the book easy to read, and proper for the age level that it was intended and on the whole I am hoping in the future that there will be more of these books because they are great reads for middle school children who can develop a lifetime of love for Sherlock Holmes and his successors! Two drawbacks. First, it would have been better to have had a few chapter divisions in the book as there are none and it would help a reader to have chapters. Second, while the drawings are good and do help visualize things, they are rather flat. But other than that this was a really Top Notch effort!!
February 4, 2021
Името Шерлок Холмс се е превърнало в нарицателно за дедукция и логично мислене. Гениалният детектив от творбите на сър Артър Конан Дойл е един от най-известните литературни персонажи на всички времена. Славата му се носи нашир и длъж, историите с негово участие се радват на нестихваща популярност… Известността на викторианският борец срещу престъпността е токова голяма, че дори хора, които никога не са чели оригинала познават най-общо мотивите от приключенията! Защото в наши дни Холмс се вихри къде ли не – от десетките литературни продължения, през комикси и компютърни игри, до анимационни сериали и високобюджетни екранизации. (Да не говорим пък колко подгласници и имитатори са се нароили.) Как да се спасим от спойлери тогава? Много просто! Вече не е необходимо да чакате до юношеска възраст, за да подхванете библиографията на Артър Конан Дойл. Изд. „Робертино” ни представят поредица от пет книги, адаптиращи „известните истории за Шерлок Холмс специално за деца, които харесват хумор и мистерии”. Първото заглавие от серията, „Етюд в червено“, е вече в ръцете ни! Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле": https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
April 16, 2020
This is a brilliant adaption of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective story. It's been a favourite of mines since I read the original, and I believe that the addition of illustrations has made this a very fun and accessible way to enjoy the stories for younger readers in particular. Had this been available to me when I was younger, I'd have eaten it right up!
August 19, 2019
A terrific way to introduce young children to one of the most famous detectives ever – Sherlock Holmes.
Thoughts:
To be perfectly honest I have read several or many Sherlock Holmes books, but I don’t generally remember all the titles. There are some titles that get stuck in my memory perhaps due to a show or movie where they are referenced, or if it was required reading in high school, such as The Hound of the Baskervilles was. So, when I selected A Study in Scarlet from Netgalley it wasn’t until I started reading the first chapter that I realized I have read this before – more than once. That’s when I truly looked at what I had selected. I initially had thought it was a new detective story aimed for kids with Sherlock Holmes featured. However, what I found was that it is the actual story, adapted for a younger audience and with lots of illustrations that provided additional information along with humor.
To help bring Sherlock Holmes to life, this book is filled with illustrations. In fact, almost every page has something on it – some are small pictures of a pocket watch or revolver. Some illustrations show what the character is doing. For example, there is an illustration of Sherlock lounging very melodramatically on a sofa in his bathrobe after Watson describes how Holmes spends his time some days.
In addition, sometimes there are notes provided to help with difficult words or ideas, such as when Holmes reads a telegraph message that had been sent. There is an illustration of the telegraph and what it includes, but it also goes a little further and provides in a type of call-out box what telegraphy is, since most kids probably aren’t yet familiar with it.
A Study in Scarlet is one of 10 books in the Sherlock Holmes Children’s Collection box set. In addition, the box set also includes a read-along audio book for each story. On Sweet Cherry Publishing’s Instagram account (@sweetcherrypublishing) they have a post with an audio example from The Reigate Squires book. I had a chance to listen to a little of it on Instagram and enjoyed the voice actor’s version very much.
Some of the stories included in the box set are The Sign of the Four, The Red-Headed League, The Blue Carbuncle, The Speckled Band, The Sussex Vampire and others.
I recommend this to all young budding sleuths and detectives as a way to learn about an important literary character along with some historical information.
Rating: 5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Sweet Cherry Publishing for the reader’s copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
Thoughts:
To be perfectly honest I have read several or many Sherlock Holmes books, but I don’t generally remember all the titles. There are some titles that get stuck in my memory perhaps due to a show or movie where they are referenced, or if it was required reading in high school, such as The Hound of the Baskervilles was. So, when I selected A Study in Scarlet from Netgalley it wasn’t until I started reading the first chapter that I realized I have read this before – more than once. That’s when I truly looked at what I had selected. I initially had thought it was a new detective story aimed for kids with Sherlock Holmes featured. However, what I found was that it is the actual story, adapted for a younger audience and with lots of illustrations that provided additional information along with humor.
To help bring Sherlock Holmes to life, this book is filled with illustrations. In fact, almost every page has something on it – some are small pictures of a pocket watch or revolver. Some illustrations show what the character is doing. For example, there is an illustration of Sherlock lounging very melodramatically on a sofa in his bathrobe after Watson describes how Holmes spends his time some days.
In addition, sometimes there are notes provided to help with difficult words or ideas, such as when Holmes reads a telegraph message that had been sent. There is an illustration of the telegraph and what it includes, but it also goes a little further and provides in a type of call-out box what telegraphy is, since most kids probably aren’t yet familiar with it.
A Study in Scarlet is one of 10 books in the Sherlock Holmes Children’s Collection box set. In addition, the box set also includes a read-along audio book for each story. On Sweet Cherry Publishing’s Instagram account (@sweetcherrypublishing) they have a post with an audio example from The Reigate Squires book. I had a chance to listen to a little of it on Instagram and enjoyed the voice actor’s version very much.
Some of the stories included in the box set are The Sign of the Four, The Red-Headed League, The Blue Carbuncle, The Speckled Band, The Sussex Vampire and others.
I recommend this to all young budding sleuths and detectives as a way to learn about an important literary character along with some historical information.
Rating: 5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Sweet Cherry Publishing for the reader’s copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
March 28, 2021
This book is a classic Holmes mystery where his powers of deduction are exposed to Watson and the reader, in sad contrast to the incompetent official police inspectors.
Holmes is called to the scene of a puzzling crime by a senior police officer; if he will not attend perhaps he might give pointers if they visit his lodgings. A man’s body has been found in a derelict house. Sherlock is reluctant to get involved but with primping from Dr Watson agrees to visit the scene of the murder where everything remains untouched for his assessment.
Holmes invites Watson along and so this famous crime pairing are transported into action and the rest as they say is history.
Great to read it again. A story, in a simple way, suitable for younger minds as well with little editorial changes. Indeed the book does explain some of the more confusing elements and gives space for a definition e.g. Hansom Cab. And of course boosted by the original illustrations that adds depth and a sense of place and time to this work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
It thrills me that in this way such great crime fiction can become accessible to a new generation.
Holmes is called to the scene of a puzzling crime by a senior police officer; if he will not attend perhaps he might give pointers if they visit his lodgings. A man’s body has been found in a derelict house. Sherlock is reluctant to get involved but with primping from Dr Watson agrees to visit the scene of the murder where everything remains untouched for his assessment.
Holmes invites Watson along and so this famous crime pairing are transported into action and the rest as they say is history.
Great to read it again. A story, in a simple way, suitable for younger minds as well with little editorial changes. Indeed the book does explain some of the more confusing elements and gives space for a definition e.g. Hansom Cab. And of course boosted by the original illustrations that adds depth and a sense of place and time to this work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
It thrills me that in this way such great crime fiction can become accessible to a new generation.
February 27, 2020
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson meet for the first time, and agree to room together at 221B Baker St. Their first case comes along when a man is mysteriously murdered in an empty house and "Rache" is written on the wall in blood. Scotland Yard are searching for the murderer, but only Holmes and Watson can solve the case!
This Sherlock Holmes mystery is retold and simplified for children ages 7-13. The story follows exactly the same story line as the original book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with much of the same dialogue and narration. Holmes and Watson are the same beloved characters that we know, and the mystery is just as suspenseful and thrilling as the original.
I loved how the writing style is simple, but is still vivid and energetic! The text is large, and there are a few definition boxes that explain terms or historical items that may be unfamiliar.
I loved the black and white illustrations that pop up every few pages. The cartoony style of the drawings is just right for this type of children's retelling, and gives an added flair to the story. The artwork is sometimes humorous and fun, making the story a little more lighthearted for young people.
I can't wait to revisit more Holmes stories in this children's series! This is an excellent way to introduce classics to elementary and middle grade readers!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This Sherlock Holmes mystery is retold and simplified for children ages 7-13. The story follows exactly the same story line as the original book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with much of the same dialogue and narration. Holmes and Watson are the same beloved characters that we know, and the mystery is just as suspenseful and thrilling as the original.
I loved how the writing style is simple, but is still vivid and energetic! The text is large, and there are a few definition boxes that explain terms or historical items that may be unfamiliar.
I loved the black and white illustrations that pop up every few pages. The cartoony style of the drawings is just right for this type of children's retelling, and gives an added flair to the story. The artwork is sometimes humorous and fun, making the story a little more lighthearted for young people.
I can't wait to revisit more Holmes stories in this children's series! This is an excellent way to introduce classics to elementary and middle grade readers!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
June 12, 2021
ALE TO BYŁO DOBRE! 💖
April 12, 2020
Както неведнъж съм казвала аз обожавам Холмс и Уотсън и всички случаи които разкриват. По-принцип не съм човек, който обича да събира едни и същи книги, макар и оформени по-различен начин, ноо... книгите за Холмс са изключение. Всичко което ми хареса си го взимам и макар в едно от изданията, които притежавам, "Етюд в червено" да присъства реших че ще си взема и тази книга.
Разликата тук е че тя е адаптирана за деца и Стефани Баудет се е справила много добре. Макар и да е посветена на децата, мога да ви кажа че е толкова интересна за четене и от големите.
Предоставя ни се възможност още веднъж да се насладим на знаменитите случаи на Холмс и в частност, първата му среща с Уотсън и това как започва тяхното приключение.
Погледнато от детските очи, историята е адаптирана по-много интересен, любознателен и някак си по-простичък начин.
Освен това както корицата, така и из страниците на книгата имаме възможността да се любуваме на изключително красиви илюстрации.
Както по-горе споменах, "Етюд в червено" е първият случай на Холмс и Уотсън. Двамата се събират на Бейкър Стрийт 221Б и така започват великите приключения. В стечение на разследването се запознаваме със пълния гении Холмс, дедукцията която ползва, наблюденията които прави, бих казала дори и на прашинките, които обикновените хора не виждат, но той просто го прави. А Уотсън пък асистира с целите си докторски знания, които има и подобрил докато е служил като военен лекар.
Определено книгата е много интересна, бързо се чете и ако ви се чете нещо ��е толкова ангажиращо, но и леко мистериозно и с английски привкус... то тогава ви я препоръчвам. Може да очакваме още четири книги от тази поредица и лично аз нямам търпение за тях. Всяка една от тях е с ��ного различна, по-цвят корица и определено ще бъде прекрасно да си ги добавя в колекцията ми от книги и различни артикули свързани с това знаменито дуо. Определено те са ми слабост!
--- --- --- --- ---
Благодаря Ви, за отделеното време!!!
Разликата тук е че тя е адаптирана за деца и Стефани Баудет се е справила много добре. Макар и да е посветена на децата, мога да ви кажа че е толкова интересна за четене и от големите.
Предоставя ни се възможност още веднъж да се насладим на знаменитите случаи на Холмс и в частност, първата му среща с Уотсън и това как започва тяхното приключение.
Погледнато от детските очи, историята е адаптирана по-много интересен, любознателен и някак си по-простичък начин.
Освен това както корицата, така и из страниците на книгата имаме възможността да се любуваме на изключително красиви илюстрации.
Както по-горе споменах, "Етюд в червено" е първият случай на Холмс и Уотсън. Двамата се събират на Бейкър Стрийт 221Б и така започват великите приключения. В стечение на разследването се запознаваме със пълния гении Холмс, дедукцията която ползва, наблюденията които прави, бих казала дори и на прашинките, които обикновените хора не виждат, но той просто го прави. А Уотсън пък асистира с целите си докторски знания, които има и подобрил докато е служил като военен лекар.
Определено книгата е много интересна, бързо се чете и ако ви се чете нещо ��е толкова ангажиращо, но и леко мистериозно и с английски привкус... то тогава ви я препоръчвам. Може да очакваме още четири книги от тази поредица и лично аз нямам търпение за тях. Всяка една от тях е с ��ного различна, по-цвят корица и определено ще бъде прекрасно да си ги добавя в колекцията ми от книги и различни артикули свързани с това знаменито дуо. Определено те са ми слабост!
--- --- --- --- ---
Благодаря Ви, за отделеното време!!!
August 28, 2019
I have always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes and so when I saw that a series had been published, aiming to bring the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to a younger audience, I couldn’t wait to read it. After reading a few books with some grisly moments in them, it was also a much-needed lighter read than some of my recent ones!
As many people will already know, the mystery starts with the baffled police summoning consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, to the scene of a murder. A man, believed to be E. J. Drebber, has been found dead in an empty house, with no obvious cause of death. It is up to Holmes and his new companion, Dr. John Watson, to discover the truth about the death and solve the case.
Although this is a book that is targeted at children aged 7+, I admit that I thoroughly enjoyed it, the story sticking to the plot that we know and love yet simplified for a younger audience. I loved the illustrations from Arianna Bellucci and also the explanations of terms that children may not be aware of, such as ‘hansom cab’.
I am pleased to see that this is part of a series – The Sherlock Holmes Children’s Collection, and would definitely recommend it to anyone with children who are beginning to express an interest in crime fiction. Or, if you are like me, you might just enjoy it yourself!
As many people will already know, the mystery starts with the baffled police summoning consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, to the scene of a murder. A man, believed to be E. J. Drebber, has been found dead in an empty house, with no obvious cause of death. It is up to Holmes and his new companion, Dr. John Watson, to discover the truth about the death and solve the case.
Although this is a book that is targeted at children aged 7+, I admit that I thoroughly enjoyed it, the story sticking to the plot that we know and love yet simplified for a younger audience. I loved the illustrations from Arianna Bellucci and also the explanations of terms that children may not be aware of, such as ‘hansom cab’.
I am pleased to see that this is part of a series – The Sherlock Holmes Children’s Collection, and would definitely recommend it to anyone with children who are beginning to express an interest in crime fiction. Or, if you are like me, you might just enjoy it yourself!
December 13, 2020
tare mult mi-a plăcut cartea, care deși e scrisă pe înțelesul scriitorilor 8-14 ani m-a ținut captivată în poveste
February 11, 2024
3,5/5
fajne, krótkie i uproszczone wprowadzenie dla dzieci albo osób chcących sprawdzić czy książkowe przygody sherlocka są dla nich
dla mnie po prostu powrót do historii, którą znam na pamięć i uwielbiam w każdej postaci
fajne, krótkie i uproszczone wprowadzenie dla dzieci albo osób chcących sprawdzić czy książkowe przygody sherlocka są dla nich
dla mnie po prostu powrót do historii, którą znam na pamięć i uwielbiam w każdej postaci
July 23, 2021
Brilliant way to introduce children to sherlock Holmes
August 12, 2023
reread 3.25/3.5
December 16, 2021
Výborná adaptácia Sherlockovho prípadu pre deti. Zrozumiteľný jazyk, zachovaná atmosféra, pekné ilustrácie.
Čoskoro aj v slovečine. Teším sa, keď si to moje dievčatá budú môcť prečítať.
Čoskoro aj v slovečine. Teším sa, keď si to moje dievčatá budú môcť prečítať.
January 30, 2020
Sherlock Holmes has survived tides of time and technology.
With very simple logic and without any fancy gadgets he deciphers difficult crime cases.
Story is told from kids perspective and told by a retired army personnel point of view.
A man is killed with no wound and a message written on wall with blood.
Police is perturbed.
They summon Holmes who with his observation, wit and logic connect the links to reach the killer.
And when killer is found he has a peculiar story to tell which explores morality of his act to kill two demons.
Story is simple and engaging.
Artwork is in form of black and white illustrations.
Holmes is showed as a slim Young man.
A very good book for a kid to explore use of logic to solve problems.
I could not find any reason to not recommend it to every reader young or old.
Thanks netgalley and publisher for review copy.
With very simple logic and without any fancy gadgets he deciphers difficult crime cases.
Story is told from kids perspective and told by a retired army personnel point of view.
A man is killed with no wound and a message written on wall with blood.
Police is perturbed.
They summon Holmes who with his observation, wit and logic connect the links to reach the killer.
And when killer is found he has a peculiar story to tell which explores morality of his act to kill two demons.
Story is simple and engaging.
Artwork is in form of black and white illustrations.
Holmes is showed as a slim Young man.
A very good book for a kid to explore use of logic to solve problems.
I could not find any reason to not recommend it to every reader young or old.
Thanks netgalley and publisher for review copy.
December 29, 2019
Holmes and Sherlock help the police in a baffling murder. Adapted and written for the young reader it has a glossary and illustrations. Modified for ages 7 and older it's a great introduction to Doyle and his writings. It still is true to the story and should engage the reader. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 22, 2023
This book is a masterpiece
August 27, 2020
This was so charming, I wish it had been around when I was younger. Sherlock Holmes stories tend to be a bit unreachable for younger audiences, yet they are so very fascinating that it seems unfair to exclude children from their entertainment. I'm surprised it took this long for someone to adapt the original stories into a format that is more easily accessible for children. It wasn't too simple, just enough that it was understandable. All of the characters had their same personalities and quirks, there is no doubt that they are the same as how Arthur Conan Doyle had originally written them. I especially liked the illustrations, they were cute and quirky and still charmingly British. I also liked how there were side explanations for things such as a hansom cab and hemoglobin, things essential to the story so must be included but perhaps not something a typical child would know about. With these little asides, they can understand the story and learn about something new at the same time. I do hope that there will be more adaptations of the Sherlock Holmes stories, and I will happily read them if they are published.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2020
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
(I intended to have this reviewed long ago, needless to say things got away from me)
This is a delightful adaptation of the first Sherlock Holmes story, A Study in Scarlet, geared towards children. I have read STUD multiple times and this manages to follow the source material well, not only in plot structure but in actual text-- it feels very similar to the original, which is something a lot of children's abridged classics either can't or don't bother to do. I especially like the notes on science and Victoriania that appear throughout the book, explaining terms that will probably be unfamiliar to your average 11-year-old. It doesn't talk down to readers but gives them a chance to learn about something they may not have heard of, and it reminds me of the annotated editions I read as a child. The illustrations are also very nice and humorous and the presentation overall is great.
(I intended to have this reviewed long ago, needless to say things got away from me)
This is a delightful adaptation of the first Sherlock Holmes story, A Study in Scarlet, geared towards children. I have read STUD multiple times and this manages to follow the source material well, not only in plot structure but in actual text-- it feels very similar to the original, which is something a lot of children's abridged classics either can't or don't bother to do. I especially like the notes on science and Victoriania that appear throughout the book, explaining terms that will probably be unfamiliar to your average 11-year-old. It doesn't talk down to readers but gives them a chance to learn about something they may not have heard of, and it reminds me of the annotated editions I read as a child. The illustrations are also very nice and humorous and the presentation overall is great.
April 23, 2020
The Sherlock Holmes stories are some of the most popular and enduring mystery books of all time. They've been published and reprinted dozens, if not hundreds of times, they've been adapted to film and television across the world, and Sherlock Holmes has become one of the most instantly recognisable literary characters. Despite this popularity, however, it can be difficult to introduce new readers to these stories, especially younger readers, due to the age of the books and some of the language used within. This is where the Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection steps in.
A Study In Scarlet is the very first Sherlock Holmes story, and introduces readers to both the titular detective, and his faithful companion Doctor John Watson. It's the perfect gateway into liking Sherlock Holmes, but no just because it introduces these characters; after all, they're so iconic that many people, myself included, start reading Sherlock Holmes stories other than at the start and manage to know who these people are. No, the reason this is the best book to begin these children's adaptations is because time is given over here as to how Sherlock is able to make is amazing deductions.
Quite often Sherlock will outline how he gets to his conclusions, or simply ask Watson to 'use my methods' to encourage his friend to try his hand at getting the answer, but this might not be something that is easy for children to grasp, so having a central part of the book be Watson discovering and observing Holmes doing his thing, and being suitably impressed by it, makes it a lot easier for the younger readers.
The whole book seems to be crafted this way, 'what would be best for younger readers'. The descriptions are much simpler than the original book, with a lot of the language of Arthur Conan Doyle streamlined for a modern reader. That being said, the book doesn't lose much of its character for doing so. It still feels like a Sherlock Holmes book at its heart.
The book doesn't try to change anything that's important, and it doesn't try to shy away from the more gruesome or strange aspects of the original. There are still dead bodies, described in detail, there is still blood, still people seeking revenge. The writers who adapted the book knew that these things were important parts of the narrative, and that children would be okay with them if they are presented in a way not designed to frighten. As such, bodies are described in a detached way, with more detail given over to the smaller details of their clothing or their surroundings; because this is how Sherlock Holmes sees things, and this is what the children need to concern themselves about. They need these tiny details to keep their mind on the mystery, and not be worried about someone having been killed.
Things are also kept somewhat lighter for the younger readers with the inclusion of illustrations. Whilst the original stories in the Strand Magazine had illustrations that were aiming to be realistic, these are very stylised pieces. The people are very angular and have strange proportions, and sometimes don't quite line up properly to their surroundings. Instead of this feeling strange, however, it helps to add to the ease of access to the younger readers.
Whether you pick this book up intending for it to be read by a child, or you're simply looking to get into Sherlock Holmes stories yourself and wanted a mild introduction to the character, this book is perfect to the task. Any child who reads this is sure to be able to get a grasp of the characters and the world that Holmes inhabits, and the ease of reading for adults means that it gives you a good taste of the style of Conan Doyle's mysteries, without getting you bogged down in the writing style of the 1880's.
Read more reviews from Amy at www.trans--scribe.blogspot.com
A Study In Scarlet is the very first Sherlock Holmes story, and introduces readers to both the titular detective, and his faithful companion Doctor John Watson. It's the perfect gateway into liking Sherlock Holmes, but no just because it introduces these characters; after all, they're so iconic that many people, myself included, start reading Sherlock Holmes stories other than at the start and manage to know who these people are. No, the reason this is the best book to begin these children's adaptations is because time is given over here as to how Sherlock is able to make is amazing deductions.
Quite often Sherlock will outline how he gets to his conclusions, or simply ask Watson to 'use my methods' to encourage his friend to try his hand at getting the answer, but this might not be something that is easy for children to grasp, so having a central part of the book be Watson discovering and observing Holmes doing his thing, and being suitably impressed by it, makes it a lot easier for the younger readers.
The whole book seems to be crafted this way, 'what would be best for younger readers'. The descriptions are much simpler than the original book, with a lot of the language of Arthur Conan Doyle streamlined for a modern reader. That being said, the book doesn't lose much of its character for doing so. It still feels like a Sherlock Holmes book at its heart.
The book doesn't try to change anything that's important, and it doesn't try to shy away from the more gruesome or strange aspects of the original. There are still dead bodies, described in detail, there is still blood, still people seeking revenge. The writers who adapted the book knew that these things were important parts of the narrative, and that children would be okay with them if they are presented in a way not designed to frighten. As such, bodies are described in a detached way, with more detail given over to the smaller details of their clothing or their surroundings; because this is how Sherlock Holmes sees things, and this is what the children need to concern themselves about. They need these tiny details to keep their mind on the mystery, and not be worried about someone having been killed.
Things are also kept somewhat lighter for the younger readers with the inclusion of illustrations. Whilst the original stories in the Strand Magazine had illustrations that were aiming to be realistic, these are very stylised pieces. The people are very angular and have strange proportions, and sometimes don't quite line up properly to their surroundings. Instead of this feeling strange, however, it helps to add to the ease of access to the younger readers.
Whether you pick this book up intending for it to be read by a child, or you're simply looking to get into Sherlock Holmes stories yourself and wanted a mild introduction to the character, this book is perfect to the task. Any child who reads this is sure to be able to get a grasp of the characters and the world that Holmes inhabits, and the ease of reading for adults means that it gives you a good taste of the style of Conan Doyle's mysteries, without getting you bogged down in the writing style of the 1880's.
Read more reviews from Amy at www.trans--scribe.blogspot.com
October 29, 2020
I really loved this Sherlock Holmes book, which is designed for children. It is easy to read and it has cute illustrations which really bring the story to life. I enjoyed the mystery of the book and the characters. I look forward to reading more of the children's Sherlock books as they are really fun!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2020
This is a fabulous, child-friendly introduction to the world of Sherlock Holmes. A glossary of unfamiliar terms is scattered throughout the book, and quirky illustrations as well as sensitive abridgement render it readable and accessible for anyone 8 and above who loves a good mystery and wants to get to know this most famous of detectives.
January 19, 2025
The lack of chapters in this book made it hard to stop and take a break. But enjoyable to bring this condensed version to kids although some vocabulary we had to stop and explain what the words meant.
April 15, 2025
A fun book about a detective who solves a mystery about Enoch J Drebber and Alert Stangerson's death. the illustrations and writings are amazing and very good 😊😊.on the way we find out some clues and I couldn't guess who did it. I never got bored while reading it. It was always very exciting.
January 28, 2020
1st Sherlock mystery introduces Watson and brings in Mormons from Utah. 121 pages
October 14, 2020
Enjoyed this book so much!! The easy language made me understand better, thus eager to flip for another page. A good encouragement to kids nowadays who'd rather play games than reading a book.
February 21, 2021
Great introduction to Sherlock Holmes for young readers.
February 9, 2022
Not a bad adaptation for younger readers.
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