The Case of the Cursed Crop

by Michael Anthony Steele, Darío Brizuela (Illustrator)

When Batman and Mystery Inc. arrive at the same farm outside of Gotham City, they soon find themselves in for the fright of their lives! Every time an eerie fog rolls in, fearsome farm monsters come out to play. Can the Caped Crusader help Scooby and the gang crack this case of cursed cropland before the creepy creatures carry them away? Find out in this action\-packed chapter book for fans of both Batman and Scooby\-Doo!

Genres: Juvenile, Mystery, Childrens

72 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2021

About the author

Michael Anthony Steele is an author and screenwriter living in Dallas, Texas. He’s written for a wide variety of entertainment and educational properties from Barney & Friends to the novelization of the recent film, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. He’s written over 60 licensed books for such major properties as Shrek, Penguins of Madagascar, Wordgirl, The Batman, Garfield, Spider-man, Speed Racer, Winx Club, Sly Cooper, and many more. Anthony’s television experience begins with the award-winning PBS series Wishbone and carries him all the way to writing 25 episodes of Barney & Friends and 4 DVDs of Boz: The Green Bear Next Door.

Between writing projects, Anthony is thrilled to give presentations to schools and libraries across the country. Having been fortunate enough to write for so many famous brands, his appearances require very little preparation on the part of the instructors because, most likely, the kids are fans of one or more of the properties for which he’s written.

Anthony’s current presentation features multimedia elements and tells the story of how he became a writer—following an exciting path through a career in photography and special effects. His appearances have been described as the “rock-n-roll” author visits since he comes with an animated presentation, humor, audio/visual elements, loads of energy, and a guitar—that’s right, a guitar!

His life’s journey has given him unique experience and the ability to share behind-the-scenes knowledge, tell stories, and answer questions not only about writing but also about the film and television industry. More importantly, the main theme of his program is how, with hard work and determination, the students can achieve anything they wish. Anthony was in elementary school when he was first inspired to become a writer and they too can get inspired right now! It’s just that simple and exciting!

Reviews

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

“And I would’ve gotten away with it, if it weren’t for you meddling kids.”

When I think of Scooby-Doo crossovers, I must admit I’m more likely to think of the gang teaming up with Sam and Dean Winchester than with Batman. I love Batman, though, and was interested in seeing how the Dark Knight interacted with the Mystery Inc. gang. The team up worked better than I’d expected.

Scooby and the gang have been called to investigate strange occurrences at a farm just south of Gotham City. With a creepy farmhouse, creepy barn, creepy woods and creepy fog to contend with, the spooky factor is pretty high.

“Zoinks!” Shaggy shouted. “Like, this is the worst farm ever!”

Luckily, Batman is also there to help solve the mystery.

I could easily imagine this mystery as a cartoon, especially when classic Mystery Inc. moves like characters’ legs spinning midair before they land and run away, were described. Because I’ve watched so many Scooby-Doo cartoons I also heard the characters speaking in their own voices as I read.

The way the Mystery Inc. gang behaved and spoke were consistent with the cartoons. I solved the mystery fairly early but kid me wouldn’t have known enough about either franchise to be able to figure out who the baddie was before the big reveal. I would have liked to have seen all of the baddies unmasked.

I loved Dario Brizuela’s illustrations. The colours, expressions and mannerisms were consistent with the cartoons. The best compliment I can think of is that they’re exactly what I’d expect to see if I pressed pause during a Scooby-Doo cartoon.

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I appreciated the design choice of using the Batman logo for page breaks. Kids who aren’t as familiar with the heroes will find the short character bios helpful. There’s also a glossary and discussion questions at the end of the book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Stone Arch Books, an imprint of Capstone, for the opportunity to read this book.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com

[Nola Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Scooby and his pals from Mystery Inc are called to solve the mystery of a haunted farm, they accidentally summon Batman. The Caped Crusader decides to stay and help the others unravel the mystery behind the strange fog and bizarre creatures that keep appearing.

This is a chapter book, probably aimed at about the 10-12 age group. If you're familiar with Scooby's adventures, this story follows some familiar ground. There are some scary scenes and humour before the more human ex-planation is found. Still, it's well-told. Every few pages, there is a full-page colour illustration. All of the illustrations are excellent. There are also some educational features at the end, including a glossary of difficult words, some discussion questions, and some writing prompts.

Overall, a good reader for children who like Scooby Doo or Batman.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free advance pdf in exchange for an honest review.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun short read! I hope this becomes a series.

I love the illustrations. They stick to the original artstyle which I really appreciate.

The plot is fine. The characters have their distinct roles . Shaggy and Scooby provided the humour. Batman. I feel like his role needs to be more solid in the story.

But overall, it's a really fun read.

Thank you, author and the artist, the publisher Stone Arch Books for the advance reading copy.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Capstone, and Stone Arch Books for this digital review copy.

I have been a fan of Scooby-Doo for basically my entire life. I grew up watching the original show on Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Now at 26 years old, I have even been watching the newer shows on Netflix. I have also been keeping up with a majority of the movies (my favorites will always be The Witch's Ghost and The Ghoul School).

I also really enjoyed reading chapter books such as this one while I was growing up. When I originally requested this book for review I thought it was one of the graphic novels but I was pleasantly surprised that it was actually a chapter book.

This book begins with Scooby and the rest of Mystery Inc arriving to a friend's farm house which is believed to be haunted. Now it is up to them to determine whether or not that is true. Upon arriving they accidentally send a bat signal and have now summoned Batman to the farmhouse. After a brief conversation (and being attacked by what seem like mutant farm creatures), Batman decides to stay and help Mystery Inc solve the mystery.

This book read to me exactly like how I would expect to see an episode of Scooby-Doo play out on TV and now that I think about it, I think that this would make an excellent TV episode. I would definitely watch it. This book was filled with friendship, comedy, and of course a great mystery.

I would definitely recommend this book to any fan of Scooby-Doo and Batman!

[Jas K (bookgramer__) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Scooby-Doo and I love Batman. So when I saw that there's a book that combines two of the biggest sleuths that ever existed, I knew I had to read it! And I wasn't disappointed in the least. This felt just like watching an episode where the Mystery Inc. solves a mystery but with the added advantage of having Batman there. The illustrations were gorgeous!
Overall a fun read.
Recommended to fans of Batman and Scooby doo!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a good Batman and Scooby Doo team up!? I’m so happy and thankful that both of my girls absolutely love Scooby doo the way I did at their age. One thing that we all have in common is that the Batman and Scooby Doo team ups are all our favorites! The shows, the movies, and even the books! This is the perfect duo!

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and adorable. Great for kids. Fans will guess the culprit right away.

[Ashley Gadue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the free read. My 3 year old son and I love scooby doo and Batman so this was awesome. Does need more pictures though, especially to hold children's attention.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.


I am a big fan of Scooby Doo and the gang, and a bit of a fan of Batman (depends on the Batman, haha), so I just had to pick up this book. I was a bit surprised it was a normal book, I had expected a graphic novel! But as soon as I got in the story (around 10 pages in) I was lost. This was just as fun as watching an episode of Scooby Doo. It has that same feel, the same spookiness/mystery, all the characters are exactly like in the show, we get scooby snacks, and of course Velma loses her glasses (classic Velma). Batman is batman. It is great.

In this one Scooby and the gang are called to a farm in the middle of nowhere. There is something spooky going on and it is up to our gang to find out what is happening. Or well, who is having beef with the owners, because we all know that most of the Scooby stories feature human villains. Only a few series/movies feature real monsters. I was definitely curious who was “haunting” the farm and also why.

The addition of Batman… mmm, not sure how I feel about it. On the one hand, nice touch, on the other hand I was never such a big fan of superhero additions to my spooky gang of teens and their dog. Haha yeah, I know, why did I pick up this book when I know there is a superhero there. Well, um, Scooby Doo? XD But I guess for what happens in this book a superhero is just what they need. There are big beasties around and having someone to be able to fight those is a handy thing.

The mystery and the monsters that came with it was just a delight to read. I was totally into the story and totally curious on what was happening! I was glued to my screen (sorry eyes).

I had such a laugh at how Batman was trying to correct Scooby’s Ratman as he cannot pronounce the B. Poor Batman. You are never going to get it right with Scooby. You are just Ratman. You gotta live with that, man.

I was actually quite happy with the villain! I guess that is what you get for being so close to a certain city. That was a great surprise.

There are also illustrations dotted throughout the book and I LOVED THEM!

All in all, I so want more stories! I want more books like this! Give me more! I would highly recommend this one to fans of Scooby Doo and also those of Batman.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Thom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for free from the publisher in exchange for a review on NetGalley. I found the story predictable, but it is a children's book, so I think that's okay. Predictability could be useful to prevent truly scaring children too. Batman wasn't used to his full potential. This is a Scooby-Doo mystery that Batman fell into and you won't be seeing any grappling hook usage or detective work. He does some punches and kicks and that's about it. I do enjoy that a glossary of vocabulary words and little writing prompts were included at the end though!

[Kyla Vaughan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and sweet story that is perfect for young readers! I thought the fast pace was engaging and that the mystery had enough intrigue to keep interest. It was very fun to see the Scooby gang team up with Batman as well, as their personalities are definitely different.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free eArc in exchange for an honest review!

[Kara (bookishskippy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

The fact that there was a collaboration between scooby doo and batman i am already sold with the graphics of the cover! It was a great read and i thoroughly enjoyed the story plot.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean how can you not like a Scooby-Doo? I’ve been watching and reading Scooby-Doo since I was a child and this book doesn’t disappoint. This book actually has the added bonus of Batman, it’s a 2 for 1 special.

If you’re familiar with Scooby-Doo at all then you know the formula that’s used for all the stories. The Mystery Gang (and Batman) arrive at the haunted location, see some monsters/are attacked by them, they look for clues, monsters attack again, they find more clues, funny banter, and then they catch the monsters to reveal who is actually behind the hauntings. This book follows the formula to a T so if you’re looking for a book version of the show this is definitely an option.

One thing to be noted is that this is a chapter book and is a little over 70 pages long, just a little warning for younger kids who can’t handle that long of a story. It is broken down into 5 chapters which is nice if you wanted to split it up over a couple of days for younger readers. Since this is a chapter book it also doesn’t include as many pictures, there about one full page picture every 3-7 pages.

The thing that I really liked about this book was the additions at the beginning and end. In the beginning, there is a small biography about Batman as well as the Mystery Gang. I think this is a great idea considering a child may only be familiar with one, this biography will help acquaint the child with the characters before starting. At the end of the book, there are 2 pages giving information about the person behind the hauntings. I actually found this helpful as not much detail was given in the story regarding this character and the character comes from Gotham City, since I don’t really know Batman I was familiar with this character. In the back was also a glossary with words that were of higher vocabulary. This would be helpful to the younger readers; however, these glossary words weren’t highlighted in the book so you wouldn’t know the definition was given in the back until you got there. Finally, there were also questions and prompts in the back of the book regarding the story and characters. This would make for good questioning as well as writing assignments.

Overall, I liked the book. It reminds me of my childhood and is on par with the other scooby books. I think what makes this book above an average 3 is the addition of questions and biographies. I do wish we learned more about the villain from the actual story instead of the biography but I do appreciate that the biography was added. Would recommend it to kids who are fans of Scooby-Doo or Batman.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of what looks like four cross-franchise adventures we'll get in the summer of 2021, this shows that Batman and Scooby-Doo (and the rest) can work together, and work surprisingly well. When the gang get told of a haunted farm they have to investigate and do their usual meddling kids thing. Lo and behold, they find Batman on the farm and on their side, too, for the case is just too bizarre... Well, it might be for an under-ten, as I guessed who was behind it all very easily. But what's more important to me is the book's suitability for the target audience, which is fine, and how it manages to embody the spirit of the cartoons of my childhood. This it does superbly – I know Scooby could talk more or less eloquently depending on era, and here he's probably more successfully vocal than he was when I was in his audience, but it's all here, from the cheesy get-out-of-jail-free cards our heroes have to play once an episode, to the typical yack about frights and snacking that Shaggy and Scooby have to force down our throats, to the deliciously-inappropriate-for-running-around-in skirt the lovely Velma insisted on. A strong four stars, if not more – and no, at no time did I miss the horrid canned laughter track.

[Alexandra Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5 stars.

“The Case of the Cursed Crop” is another entry in the Batman and Scooby-Doo Mysteries book series written by Michael Anthony Steele and illustrated by Dario Brizuela. This story is written like a classic Scooby-Doo conundrum. While it sticks to the main tropes of the Scooby-Doo franchise, it presents them well in a concise, clever, and funny story. The puns and jokes are funny, and the story is simple and easy to understand. I liked how the author included basic biographies of the characters so that you do not have to have any familiarity with them to be able to jump in and enjoy this book. I also appreciated that the author included a glossary at the end for some of the trickier vocabulary, as well as some discussion questions.

I loved this book and recommend it to all young readers, especially those who are already fans of Scooby-Doo or Batman.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book on NetGalley and have provided an honest review.*

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rooby-dooby-doo!
Batman teams up again with Mystery Inc. in The Case of the Cursed Crop. This middle grade fiction book has a classic Batman and Scooby Doo feel. Both with its attention to the characters, and the mystery. Michael Anthony Steele does a wonderful job getting each character right, and staying true to their personalities. Batman’s gruffness is really funny when paired with the antics of Scooby and Shaggy. The mystery is well plotted and made sense throughout the story. Dario Brizuela’s illustrations mirror the story wonderfully, capturing each scene as it is written. The solution to the mystery is a bit obvious to Batman fans, but is still genuinely fun to read. There are some great vocabulary words related to action and farming. The only thing that bothered me was that Batman did not practice laboratory safety when smelling an unknown substance. Definitely a fun read-out-loud for the kids, especially when doing the Scooby voice.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Scooby Doo has always been my favorite show, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it.
It was just like an actual episode of the show and played like tv in my head.
Batman was a fun addition to the story, I know there are a few episodes/movies that do include Batman.
The story was super creepy, but had so much humor and fun that it really wasn’t scary.
I really appreciated that one of the characters (I won’t say who!) was a Batman character who I was unfamiliar with, and there was actually a biography for him at the end for people who aren’t as familiar with Batman.
Definitely a super fun short read for kids I adults!

[Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short, but fun team-up between Mystery Inc and Batman. Aimed towards young children, it's a great way to get them interested in reading more. The text included a few words that younger children may struggle with, but it includes a glossary at the back to help explain them.

Batman and the Mystery Inc gang all seem to be very in character. It plays up the common tropes too - Velma loses her glasses, Scooby does things for Scooby snacks and the gang splits up. It does lean more on the Scooby Doo side of things though, with Batman given less chance to show his special skills and personality.

It is quite predictable, especially for anyone familiar with Batman and Scooby Doo. As it's aimed towards children, I don't hold that against it.

[Free Advance Copy Provided Via NetGalley]

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a comic book, but an actual children's book with illustrations. It was so much fun! Scooby-Doo has always been my favorite cartoon and while it has been quite a few years since I've watched it on TV, this played like an episode in my head while I was reading and it made me laugh more than once.

I am not very familiar with a lot of DC characters and the ending was a little confusing since I didn't know who the villain was. I gained more information with the bio at the end though and it wrapped it up nicely.

I loved the glossary and story discussion questions at the end. This is a great read for grade school children or anyone who is a Scooby-Doo lover like me.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batman and The Mystery Gang come together outside Gotham City in The Case of the Cursed Crop. Fred's friend invites The Mystery Gang out to his farm to investigate strange happenings there. But he is gone when they arrive and every time a strange fog appears so do monstrous creatures. Batman pops by and he teams up with Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo to get to the bottom of this case. The quick-reading chapter book provides the usual action and shenanigans that the few illustrations reinforce. A nice entry into the series that Capstone is publishing!

Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this title!

[Ashley Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Join the Mystery Gang as they team up with the greatest detective, Batman in a new and fun mystery. When Mystery inc arrive in a farm outside of Gotham City mysterious things start happening and fearsome monsters are appearing everywhere. Thankfully with the (accidental) arrival of Batman the crew can come together and get down to the bottom of this mystery! A fun read for kids or anyone who is a fan of Scooby Doo and the mystery crew or Batman!

*Thanks Netgalley and Stone Arch Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a fan of when Batman and the Scooby gang team up to solve a mystery. This story was a great short chapter book about one of the adventures where the Scooby gang meet up with the Caped Crusader. It's a story that all kids will love. There's just enough mystery and just enough suspense for young readers to really get into the story without getting too scared. Then add in the occasional comedy and it's perfect. A great story that I would recommend to any beginner reader or even for a family to read together.

[Julia Pika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Stone Arch Books for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Scooby-Doo and the gang partner up with Batman in order to solve a spooky mystery set at an abandoned farm.

This reads like a typical Scooby-Doo episode, formulaic but oh, so good! Batman is in character, everyone's in character and the jokes are just like the TV show.

If the reader's an avid Batman fan (like me) it's pretty obvious which Batman villain shows up...but it's still fun to read the gang to get to that point anyway.

Great book for Scooby-Doo & Batman fans!

[Marte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

I love both Batman and Scooby-Doo, and I think this is a great story for younger children who love either or both! Especially so if they have seen the crossover episodes of the show that already exists! The story is new and interesting, while also following the same, known patterns of Scooby-Doo. The chapters are the perfect length and I love the pictures!

I also always think it's great when books have questions/tasks in the back, and it makes it great to use in the classroom!

Would really recommend!

[Holly Senecal · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun! :) I have loved Scooby-Doo since I was old enough to remember watching tv!! This book was so great: classic Mystery Inc. with everything from "you meddling kids" to Scooby snacks and fake monsters. I loved reading it, think it was perfectly done for kids. The part I thought was a wonderful addition were the glossary of terms and the character backgrounds.~ Michael Anthony Steele, thank you for the childhood memories and keeping Scooby-Doo available for our younger generations.~

[Claire (clairesneverlandofbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Scooby-Doo and the rest of Mystery Inc coming to the aid of their friend Kevin, whose farm is haunted. While there they accidentally summon Gotham's greatest detective. And together they help solve the mystery of Kevin’s cursed crops. This was such a fun mystery. The illustrations are stunning. Would love to pick up more in this series.

I received a free copy via netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batman and the Scooby Doo gang?? Yes please

This is the first book of the series that I’ve read and I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. This perfectly blended the two worlds together and was the crossover I didn’t know that I needed.

This book somehow managed to keep the charm of the TV show for Scooby Doo, while adding in Batman into the mix.

I loved the glossary at the end, as well as the questions and writing ideas for children. This is a book that could honestly keep the, busy for a while and grab their imagination.

[Mary Bronson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an early E-ARC for an honest review.

I thought this a fun quick read. I always love the Scobby-Doo mash ups with other well known shows or comics. I love how they are teaming up with Batman while working a case for a friend of Fred's who lives in the southern part of Gotham in a farmhouse that he believes that is haunted.

[Books+Coffee=Happiness Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story for kids who love Scooby and Batman.

Mystery Inc is off to solve another case, this time near Gotham City. They accidentally use the Bat Signal and the Dark Knight arrives. The story is just spooky enough to thrill young readers, but not scary enough to cause nightmares. If your children love solving crime with Batman and mysteries with Mystery Inc, they’ll enjoy The Case of the Cursed Crop!

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest rest.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stunning graphic novel featuring Batman and Mystery Inc. Gang. The illustrations are detailed and colorful. Would recommend.

Thank you to Michael Anthony Steele, NetGalley and Stone Arch Books for the ARC of this book.