Baby Monkey, Private Eye written by Brian Selznick and David Serlin, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This chapter book for all ages has bold black text and a hilarious main character working as a private detective. (Baby Monkey, Private Eye will be as endearing for adults who may notice the nods to films of years past in the illustrations.) Baby Monkey will search for clues, eat a snack, take notes, and solve the case. (Take careful note of the paintings and newspapers in the illustrations for more connections.) So, in short this is a picture book read aloud in the form of an early chapter book. (Don't miss the back matter, if you book talk this one.) Selznick and David Serlin have created a masterpiece in this sweet and funny book. Teachers who need to teach mystery books really need to consider this one. Librarians who teach back matter in their books will have much to discuss with the index and bibliography after the story. Even art teachers will find joy in the paintings on the wall and how they connect to each story. This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all libraries! (I read this one before I received this book to review and have hoped for a sequel from this pair ever since.) 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This may be the single hardest book to place in a school collection. I put it in chapter books with a label that alerts my readers that it has more white space and picture support. I could see some choosing picture book locations, especially if they want parents to see this charming and unique book. It is possible we will continue to have this confusion with Brian Selznick as he continues to push the definition of picture book and chapter book to extremes. (To my great joy!)