Dirk Bones and the Mystery of the Missing Books

Dirk Bones

by Doug Cushman

In the town of Ghostly, where everything is spooky, something really strange is going Books are disappearing! And not just any books—only those written by the famous author Edgar Bleek. Luckily ace reporter Dirk Bones is on the case. As Dirk tracks down information about the only clue—a weird spotted leaf—the mystery gets even more bizarre. What is happening in Ghostly? Expect the unexpected in this second Dirk Bones mystery about a fearless reporter in a town full of silly, creepy creatures.

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction

30 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Doug Cushman has illustrated more than 100 children’s books, 20 or so of which he has also written. Among his many honors, Doug has gained a place on the New York Times Children’s Best Sellers list and on the 2003 Children’s Literature Choice list. He has received a National Cartoonist’s Society Reuben award and a 2004 Christopher Award for his book illustrations.

Reviews

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just received this in our July book order. I was looking for some new beginning reader books. I like that this book promotes the library and reading as well as has quirky characters. I think children will enjoy it.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even monsters read...so should everyone.

[carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended Ages: grades 1-2

I Can Read! series Level 1: Simple sentences for eager new readers

[joanna Sondheim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great beginning reader for the "scary books" set. Dirk Bones is a skeleton reporter trying to solve the mysterious disappearance of books by Edgar Bleek, which have gone missing all over the town of Ghostly. The scariness is just there enough to give kids a thrill, the illustrations are bright and inviting and the sentences are simple enough for early readers, while sustaining a suspenseful and humorous plot.

[Cosette · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute! Like a mirror image of a mirror.

[Teneka Howland · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st - 2nd grade

Cushman tells a whimsical and spirited story of detective Dirk Bones as he tries to solve the mystery of the missing books. The illustrator uses bright, vibrant colors to keep the attention of the reader. Beginning reader will enjoy this book as the text is large and easy to read and there is lot of white space to suppor the text. The book cover is strikingly attractive and jumps off of the book shelf at the reader! This story is one of many in a series of Dirk Bones mysteries. Young readers will be eager to read another after finishing this book.

Related Content Areas:
Science, Social Studies

Lesson Idea
The teacher could create a clue sheet for a classroom (or outdoor) treasure hunt. The students would really enjoy this activity and it would challenge them to think critically. The children will feel like detectives themselves as they try to solve the clues and search for the treasure.

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella really enjoyed this book which was not surprising because she likes mystery, suspense, and humor. What surprised me was that Maddy liked it oo. I thought she was too young for it. Granted, the puns went over both their heads, but they enjoyed the story and the illustrations - especially the Creepus Crawler Talkus vine and babies.

Did I mention they are in a big skeleton phase? The film version of Dem Bones by Weston Woods/Scholastic is a favorite.

[Audree Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy loved this book. Good read for older students with low levels.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirk is looking into who is stealing books from the library. Fun and just in time for Halloween!

[Amanda Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan absolutely loved this book, and it was nice because it was a bit longer than some of his other "children's" books, and I like that he's starting to pick up on some of the small words. He was most excited by the skeleton on the cover. I've now ordered more Dirk Bones books from the library.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery writer, Edgar Bleek, has a missing book and Dirk Bones is on the case. The only clue is a mysterious looking leaf. As the investigation continues, Dirk discovers there are also Edgar Bleek books missing from the library - with the same leaves left behind. Who is the culprit? And why is he targeting Edgar Bleek books?

[CTWard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read for new readers, challenging them to short, but proper sentences with the plot line of solving a mystery with the main character. Recommended ages 6-8. The story is short enough to keep the young reader hooked but still has some detailed clues to help the cliffhanger of the answer to the mystery come to a conclusion that is original and light-hearted.

[Heather Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

megan summer reading 2017, children's book, leveled reader, easy reader, I can read level 1, mystery, series, dirk bones, monsters, books, library, first grade, second grade, third grade,

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute idea for youngsters who are fascinated by monsters but don't want them to be too scary.

[Jennifer Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fun for kids that enjoy mystery books. Finding clues, investigating people, and figuring out what is going one is what Dirk Bones, the journalist does.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book finally kicked my beginning reader's level up a notch! He LOVED it. Couldn't wait to read more and see what happened. We already have another Dirk Bones book. :)

[Greg S · Rating 3 out of 5]

My five-year-old enjoyed it.

It’s cute. It’s got a nice pacing.
It has a nice ending.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

My toddler's favorite books. We wish there were more than two!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a cute book. My kids (4&6) love it.

[sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

nostalgia

[Treasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Newspaper reporter Dirk Bones stumbles across a mystery while trying to get a story for the paper. Someone has been stealing all the books in town by Edgar Bleek. Can Dirk Bones solve the mystery and recover the missing books?

This is a solid easy-reader, as is standard for Doug Cushman. Just a well-written, fun story. I do question the fact that the publisher has ranked it a level 1. There are some pretty big words in there and a lot of words on each page. I don't think I would hand this to a child who is just starting to read on his own.

[Jess Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dirk Bones reminds me of the way I used to enjoy reading Encylcopedia Brown books. The language and sentence structure (e.g. quotations and bigger words) make this book best suited for maybe early elementary readers who have moved beyond Seuss and Willems. The plot follows Dirk Bones as he unravels the mystery of who (or what?) is stealing Edgar Bleek's books. Special shoutout to Miss Elsa the ghoulish librarian (who is helpful!) and libraries in general at the end.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the illustrations are cute and cartoony, I wasn't sure how our girls would react to a skeleton protagonist and a host of ghoulish characters. Silly me! They loved it. And any book that features a trip to the library is a personal favorite. We've borrowed this one a few times.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was marked as a 'I Can Read 1' beginning reader, but I think it's a little above that level personally. Riley read several pages, but I finished by reading it to him. Cute story, and I think we'll get more, but for his current reading level that are better for me to read to him.

[Katie Lorsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really cool and spooky. I was looking at the pictures and that could tell me some of the story too. Then when I read it and almost turned the page before I read a bit. I liked that it was spooky and that there was a mystery. It was my favorite spooky story. I read it in one sitting! -Tommy

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story. Great for beginning readers who love Halloween, spooky monsters, and mysteries.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute book! A mystery that has creepy characters and focuses on the awesomeness of a library card!

[Michael Leitzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

very adventurous story. This kind of book would be real fun for elementary kids. It had very good illustrations and great story.

[Ratforcekids]

Set in a spooky town full of silly creatures, this mystery will keep you guessing. This is part of a series, so keep reading for more bizarre fun.