Dori Hillestad Butler returns to the children’s mystery genre with a brand-new easy reader series starring a lovable golden retriever who helps his human girl solve mysteries. In the series’ inaugural title, King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats, precocious King helps his human friend Kayla sniff out clues on some treats gone missing. In Book Two, King & Kayla and the Case of the Secret Code, Kayla receives a letter in the mail written in code, along with her friend Mason, and King must help her find out who sent the letter!
Butler’s King & Kayla series boasts simple, straightforward language with a touch of deadpan humor—perfect for new readers who are full of curiosity and are eager to sniff out answers to their questions. Kayla’s logical lists, as well as King’s canine assistance, is proof to children that they are capable of solving life’s little mysteries—with a little bit of help. Nancy Meyer’s endearing, full-color illustrations convey the affection between King and his human, even though she misunderstands him most of the time.
“Readers will connect with this charmingly misunderstood pup (along with his exasperated howls, excited tail wagging, and sheepish grins).” ―Kirkus Reviews
“A welcome addition to the beginning chapter book scene. Children will delight in Kayla and her dog King’s success in solving mysteries. They will also enjoy the humor found in both the text and illustrations, particularly King’s attempts to help Kayla.”―Diane Nielsen, PhD, Department of Curriculum and Teaching, University of Kansas
“Children will relate to the lovable and over enthusiastic character of King who pronounces every food and every activity as ‘his favorite.’ The owner, Kayla, tries hard to understand his various barks and actions which provides lots of age appropriate humor. These enjoyable stories will delight young readers and make their reading a pleasure.” ―Carla Morris, Theodore Seuss Geisel Committee Chair (2013)
This case-cracking dynamic duo opens investigations on March 1st, so be sure to track them down at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. If you do, you’re sure to be one of King’s new favorite things!