(4) 1-3 Doyle and Fossey, Science Detectives series. Illustrated by Barbara Johansen Newman & Barbara Johansen Newman. Drake Doyle and Nell Fossey, fifth-grade science sleuths, return to solve new mysteries. While the characters are two-dimensional and the cases solved with implausible speed, scientific concepts, such as bacterial growth and the science of pulleys, are clearly explained and cleverly woven into humorous vignettes. Expressive black-and-white line drawings and science activities and experiments are included.

Reviewer: Karyn Ginsburg

(4) 1-3 Doyle and Fossey, Science Detectives series. Illustrated by Barbara Johansen Newman. Young detectives Drake and Nell use their scientific acumen to solve several mysteries. First using carbon-dioxide gas to free a girl trapped in a clothes chute, the pair also demonstrate how capillary action caused some roses at a flower show to change color. The characterizations are clichéd and the dialogue is affected, but the activities and experiments will please budding scientists.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 1-3 Doyle and Fossey, Science Detectives series. Illustrated by Barbara Johansen Newman. Fifth-graders Drake Doyle and Nell Fossey use their science know-how to solve four mysteries. The treatment of science is simplistic (principles of static electricity, buoyancy, and ultraviolet light are defined rather than explored), but the conversational, humorous writing has appeal. Cartoon-style illustrations and instructions for related experiments are included.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 1-3 Doyle and Fossey, Science Detectives series. Illustrated by Barbara Johansen Newman. Using scientific principles, young detectives Drake Doyle and Nell Fossey solve four mysteries: gasping garbage, endangered frogs, a stuck truck, and an anonymous love letter. Lighthearted but not silly, the book models good problem-solving and concludes with suggested activities for the reader's own science lab. Black-and-white artwork and creative use of fonts enliven the presentation.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian