Children's book review - Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula by R. F. Kristi

 

Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula by R.F. Kristi begins one Sunday morning. Inca, the Siberian cat, and head of the detective agency, has gathered with her friends to admire a magnificent Siberian tiger painting. It has been purchased by Solo, the owner of the mansion, and the tiny cottage where Inca, her animal family, and their human mom, Missy, live. Later that day, Inca's ears prick up when she hears Missy telling Solo that she has been chosen to judge a prestigious patisserie competition in South Korea. Missy is an award-winning cheese maker. Moreover, the organizers will arrange a special event to introduce Missy's new cheese creation. All the animals have passports and are very excited to hear they will be going too. Solo and his dog Terrance are also joining them on the trip. When the family and friends arrive at Incheon airport, they are met by Mr Ye-Jun, their tour guide. Missy is pleased to hear that he will also be their translator. Mr Ye-Jun is a sad man, and when Inca and her detectives hear it is because he cannot see his sister in North Korea, they devise a plan to reunite the siblings. Who is Enzo, and why do Missy and her pets hate him? What does Missy find is missing when they arrive at the airport? Furthermore, do the cat detectives succeed in their mission?
 

Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula is the eighth book in the Cat Detectives series. However it is unnecessary to have read the rest of the books. R.F Kristi has spent some time researching the different types of animals and has put much work into making the story entertaining and, at the same time, educational. Children will love learning about the types of animals, Korean culture, and the divisions between North and South Korea. I was pleased to see a family tree at the beginning of the book, which details which cats belong to Missy. There is also a page with pictures of all Inca and Company detective agency members with some background information.

My one dislike was the use of baby words. For example, on page thirty-one, "Terrance had transformed from a mild-mannered gentlemanly doggy to a fierce snarling Terrance."

I recommend this book to younger children who enjoy mystery stories featuring animals and can read by themselves. It would also be an excellent book for parents to read to their younger children.

There were a couple of grammar errors but not enough to stop me from rating Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula by R.F. Kristi 5 out of 5 stars. This is a delightful book that entertains while also educating young children. I look forward to reading this series to my granddaughter when she is old enough to enjoy it!

 

Thank you to R. F. Kristi for a free copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.