Dad of Divas' Reviews: Book Review - The Buddy Files: The Case of the Fire Alarm

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Book Review - The Buddy Files: The Case of the Fire Alarm

About the Book
Buddy is starting his work as a therapy dog at Four Lakes Elementary School, where Connor attends and Mom is the principal. On his very first day, he accidentally knocks down a little kid on the playground...


About the Author
Dori Hillestad Butler has always wanted to be an author. She wrote her first novel when she was in sixth grade. She wrote it to find out if she could write a novel, and because she needed extra credit in her English class. Her dream of becoming a published author came true in 1997, with the publication of The Great Tooth Fairy Rip-Off. She's gone on to publish more than 35 additional books for children.

Her books have been appeared on children's choice award lists in 18 different states. Trading Places with Tank Talbott won the Maryland Children's Choice Award in 2007. And The Buddy Files: Case of the Lost Boy won the 2011 Edgar Award for best Juvenile Mystery.

Dori has also been a ghostwriter for the Sweet Valley Twins, Unicorn Club and Boxcar Children series, and a children's book reviewer for several publications. She's published numerous short stories, plays and educational materials, and has served as the Iowa Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators' Regional Advisor.

She grew up in southern Minnesota and now lives in Coralville, Iowa with her husband, son, dog and cat. She visits schools and leads writing workshops all over the country.

For more information, visit her website at www.kidswriter.com.


My Take on the Book
Buddy the therapy dog/detective and his owner Connor are trying to solve the mystery of who pulled the fire alarm at school. There is good discussion concerning the seriousness of pulling the fire alarm when there is not an actual fire. In that respect the book has a very valid lesson to learn.

As the story progresses , once again, there is detailed dialogue between the characters and especially between adults and the children as they try to solve the mystery. Using a process of elimination and clues the child is identified.

The book can be read aloud or independently. It is a chapter book with short easy to read chapters.

This is a sweet story abut new friends and the challenges that can arise in a new friendship. If you and your child recently moved, this story is particularly focusing on adjustments a child must make in that transition . It also shows how friends can be boys and girls, not same sex friends.

The author included information about Jewish special days that I was unaware of before reading this story. It is story that any child will enjoy. It has some elements of teaching something new in it too.



All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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