It was a Friday afternoon. I got wind from Kellie at Walden Pond Publishing that something was going down in Dedham, Massachusetts at Blue Bunny Books. She warned me that similar suspicious activities had been happening there as it is owned by author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds of Ish and The Dot. Something involving Jarrett Krosoczka Platypus Police Squad. I was intrigued. And wary. You can’t be too careful!
What do you think? Is this a crime scene?! The caution tape is certainly suspicious!
Why is there cake involved? And who were these two guys on the cake? Did they commit the crime?
No, it wasn’t the platypuses. They turned out to be the good guys. Maybe it’s this guy then! Do you know who he is?
Or do you think these lunch ladies look suspicious? They did bring in milk and cookies though. Did you figure out that it’s author Jarrett Krosoczka who is holding the milk and cookies?
That isn’t a crime. Are the Lunch Lady and her sidekick Betty involved somehow? Are they in trouble? Maybe they are here incognito in their blue uniforms. I’m not sure.
Perhaps this video will give us a clue. Jarrett gives some history as to how this crime scene began, a long time ago, as the result of a school visit gone awry when he was getting Punk Farm published.
It turns out a mere kid planted the seed for this crime scene. Probably someone like you, kid.
Yeah, I know you’re there. Were you the one who did it?
At last, the clues add up. The crime? You’ll learn more if you listen to Jarrett reading chapter three of his latest chapter book mystery for kids. It has to do with synthetic fish that is making everyone sick. Hope you are not affected!
Platypus Police Squad: The Frog Who Croaked by Jarrett Krosoczka
This is a mystery chapter book for boys and girls who like crime chapter books set in a city populated by anthropomorphic animals of all stripes: platypus detectives, a frog teacher gone missing, and a powerful businessman/panda. Zengo and O’Malley, two mismatched detectives are on the case that smells of rotten fish. Illegal synthetic fish that is. Can they put aside their differences to get to the bottom of this crime that seems to involve everyone they know?
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Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
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What a cool event to attend! Thanks for sharing your videos with us!
Hi MaryAnne,
No problem. I have more of Jarrett drawing on my YouTube channel and I’ll put them all up if you think you’d enjoy them. I think I have a few more that I haven’t uploaded yet. He is so awesome. I hope that your kids can meet him. He does Skype author visits … just a thought since you will be moving to the West Coast.
Wow! Boston is the place to be for awesome authors. We are going to have to plan a trip – even Rick Riordan just moved there. Super cool and great post. Thanks for sharing. Your blog is wonderful.
Christine M
Techie for Stanley & Katrina
Hi Christine,
Is that true? I thought Rick Riordan lives in San Antonio?! Is he really in Boston? Wow. I did not know that. Jarrett is also a rockstar and really funny and nice person. It was so much fun to meet him in person!
I love it! I mean, my kids will love it. We’re a big old fan of his work, and it’s always fun to catch a glimpse of these elusive authors behind the scenes.
Hi Artchoo!,
Jarrett does Skype author visits if you think you can get your school or school librarian to bring him in. I think kids would LOVE it. He’s so funny and great with kids! And his books are awesome. Also, two of his picture books are in development to be made into major motion pictures. Amy Poehler is developing The Lunch Lady! That would be really fun for parents and kids, don’t you think? I don’t know who is developing the other book and I forget which one.
Just the name, “Platypus Police Squad” is hilarious!
Hi Erica,
Jarrett said that originally it started off as a penguin and he drew that character but that was the year of the penguin — penguins of Madagarcar and the dancing penguin animated movie Happy Feet. And its sequel. So he changed it but wanted to keep the alliteration. He liked that the platypus is also an unknown animal in children’s lit. Funny too how his books evolve! I love hearing the back story!
Once you add animals to the equation Encyclopedia Brown has no chance any more
Hi Faigie,
Oh, I hope not. I grew up adoring Encyclopedia Brown. I totally wanted to be just like him! Hopefully they will learn to work together! Man and beast solving crimes! 🙂
What an awesome cake! My son would love this for his birthday 🙂
Hi Tanya,
Now that you mention that cake, I am realizing that I never did get a slice of it!
Yes, it is true. Rick Riordan JUST moved there. At least his blog says so. 🙂 We have to look for Jarrett’s books – we haven’t read any as of yet.
Have a great weekend!
Hi Cool Mom,
Someone told me that Rick Riordan commands the highest speaking fees out of ANY author! I hope if he’s in now living in Boston that there will more opportunity to meet him! We love his books! Have a wonderful Father’s Day too Christine!
Fun! I think my son would especially love it since he loves platypuses. Maybe I will try and read it to him.
I really enjoyed his TED talk, very inspiring! He is so talented.
What fun! This really looks like an awesome event.
Hi JDaniel4’s Mom,
Jarrett is really a rockstar. He also does Skype author visits and is active on Social Media if you want to meet him. He’s nice and very, very funny!