(1) 4-6 Illustrated by Leanne Franson. Thumb and his friend Susan try sleuthing in their isolated Canadian village. Old Kirk McKenna is acting fishy, and a new teacher arrives wearing thick makeup and an obvious wig. As we know from Thumb's previous books (The Thumb in the Box, Thumb on a Diamond), he and author Roberts alike are adept at creating adventure from the slimmest of means.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2009

(1) 1-3 Illustrated by Leanne Franson. Here's the story of how an island community turns some unwanted gifts from the government into just the things that the islanders have wanted and needed. The funny and fresh David vs. Goliath tale is narrated with personality-plus by eleven-year-old Leon. Breezy, direct narration makes this early chapter book, set on the coast of British Columbia, accessible and involving.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2001