Arrg-ust Review of Carmen Sandiego: Clue by Clue by Catherine Hapka

Read for: Recently Added

Synopsis: "Crack the code with Carmen Sandiego! In this original story, a special clue-decoding wheel built into the front cover allows readers to hunt for long-lost pirate's treasure alongside the world's greatest thief. Inspired by the Netflix animated series.

Carmen Sandiego and crew are off on a thrilling treasure hunt in this original story inspired by the Netflix animated series. When the secrets of a centuries' old treasure map are uncovered, it's up to Carmen to puzzle out the pirate's code and track down a long lost treasure. From the cobblestone streets of London to a sunken city in the Caribbean, Carmen must stay one step ahead on a trail of clues in order to beat her nemeses to the buried treasure! Using the book's special built-in decoder, readers can help Carmen unlock the map's clues--and make sure this pirate's booty finally makes its way into the right hands."

My Review: When I saw this at the bookstore the other day, I knew we had to get it! Not only is it a new Carmen Sandiego book but it is also interactive with a decoder to use throughout the story. It was even better because it fits in perfectly with my pirate month as we follow Carmen Sandiego and her friends on a hunt for lost pirate treasure. It is a pretty easy read, perfect for those kids who are starting out in chapter books, though it does contain some more difficult words. This was quite the adventure as Carmen has to solve many codes and follow the clues to the treasure. There are codes to be cracked in the book but it is written so if you don't want to stop reading, the answer is revealed when you turn the page. At the end of the book there are more codes to crack with the decoder, but also a new cifer is introduced and even more codes to crack. There is also a lot of facts and history about both the Tower in London, Tortuga and pirates. We even get a recipe to try out! All in all this is a fun packed book.

My Rating: I had a lot of fun with this book and after reading it think that Munchkin will enjoy it as well, so I will be passing this one along to him.  There is so much fun and action in this book as well as the interactive element that will keep even reluctant readers engaged in the story. I give it a rating of Four Paws!