(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Nancy Meyers. In "The Problem of Thor Bridge," Sherlock Holmes states this maxim of detecting: "We must look for consistency." With her seventh series entry about amateur investigators King (a dog) and Kayla (his human), Butler continues to follow Holmes's advice in the development of both plot and structure. This time, the two intrepid companions search for a missing ring, making a hypothesis and then either confirming or rejecting it through careful study of the facts. King narrates their adventure in his now-established animated voice that enthusiastically repeats familiar phrases: "I LOVE [insert King's place of the moment or what he's doing or eating]. It's my favorite thing!" Along with such familiar refrains, this book contains short chapters, natural language, and numerous digitally colored illustrations that mirror the text, giving newly independent readers a boost when navigating all those pages. As Kayla and her friends search the spots where they think the ring may have been dropped, King operates under his own theory. Although they don't have to, readers can test their individual problem-solving skills and crack this mystery before its heroes do.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2021

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Nancy Meyers. While out for a walk, mystery-solving dog King and his human Kayla (King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats, rev. 5/17, and sequels) notice something amiss with friends Thor and Jillian. Their "unhappy neighbor," Mr. Gary, claims that puppy Thor has destroyed his yard, but the evidence doesn't seem to add up. Kayla and Jillian tally up some of the things they know: Thor doesn't like any of the munched veggies found at the scene of the crime, and he isn't big enough to knock over a heavy trash can. With the help of their canine and human friends and a little bit of technology, King and Kayla get to the bottom of the case. At last, Thor is finally able to bark out in triumph: "I told you I'm a good dog!" Meyers's illustrations invite opportunities for the developing reader to investigate alongside King and Kayla, and provide support and intrigue as the case progresses. The text also invites playful read-alouds, cued by King's quizzical expressions in the illustrations and some all-caps dialogue. This newest addition to the King & Kayla series continues the good work of the sleuthing duo, offering readers an opportunity to test their mystery-solving skills--and laugh along the way.

Reviewer: Grace McKinney | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2020

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Nancy Meyers. The fifth standalone adventure in the Geisel Honor–winning series finds dog King and girl Kayla visiting Grandma's lake house. When a lost dog, Fred, is discovered, King uses deduction to reunite Fred with his people at a nearby campground. King's enthusiasm is, as always, hilarious. With alternating sentence lengths, strong word repetition, plot-reinforcing illustrations, and plentiful white space, this is a supportive early chapter book.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Nancy Meyers. In Kayla and dog King's fourth beginner chapter book, Kayla loses her tooth at school and brings it home in her class's special tooth fairy pillow pouch. When Kayla discovers the tooth is missing, she and her friend try to solve the mystery. Narrator King's perspective makes an otherwise straightforward story much more engaging, while humorous illustrations reinforce the plot and further forefront King's doggie thoughts.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Nancy Meyers. Narrator King, an exuberant dog, introduces himself and his human Kayla in the initial two entries of a new early-chapter-book series. Each story is a mystery: Treats concerns the theft of some dog biscuits, and Code concerns a substitution cipher. Repetition both within and between books helps boost confidence in beginning readers, as do the generous, plot-reinforcing illustrations. Review covers these titles: King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats and King & Kayla and the Case of the Secret Code.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2017

(2) 1-3 Illustrated by Nancy Meyers. Narrator King, an exuberant dog, introduces himself and his human Kayla in the initial two entries of a new early-chapter-book series. Each story is a mystery: Treats concerns the theft of some dog biscuits, and Code concerns a substitution cipher. Repetition both within and between books helps boost confidence in beginning readers, as do the generous, plot-reinforcing illustrations. Review covers these titles: King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats and King & Kayla and the Case of the Secret Code.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2017

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Nancy Meyers. Dog King (from Geisel Honor Book King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats) returns to narrate another beginning chapter book. King loses his favorite ball during a game of fetch with his human Kayla, leading to a simple but satisfying mystery. Humor abounds in text and art as the animal characters (who talk to one another) attempt communication with their oblivious humans.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth