Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cardboard Box

March 1, 2012

Gr 4-6- Black Peter takes readers into the world of pirates with the murder of Captain Peter Carey, aka Black Peter. In Cardboard Box, a woman receives a box containing two human ears, possibly sent by a medical student seeking revenge because she had asked him to vacate the room he rented. The texts are simply written and easy to follow, and the illustrations help to keep readers involved in the stories. Each book includes a map of London, an illustrated cast of characters, and a letter from Dr. Watson explaining Holmes's logic in solving the cases. This graphic format brings the lesser-known Sherlock adventures to light. Readers who enjoy the series will be pleased with these additions.-Catherine Brenner, Bethlehem Public Library, Delmar, NY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2012
Also adapted by M. J. Cosson. These graphic novelstyle adaptations of Holmes's adventures may appeal to middle graders not quite ready for Conan Doyle's originals. The dialogue, though over-explanatory, is easy to follow; appended "How Did Holmes Solve It?" pages spell things out even further. The illustrations are atmospheric but a little too caricaturish (check out Holmes's chin). Reading list, websites.

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)