Lulu and the Dance Detectives: the Pool Party Poisoning

Suitable for emerging and confident readers, this easy-read chapter book follows Lulu and her dance friends as they work together to find out who is sabotaging their pool party performance.

Each page is illustrated, which supports emerging readers in imagining the story as they read. Centering around mystery and detectives makes this book a good option to introduce readers into the genre and helps to bridge a connection into similar series such as ‘Thea Stilton’ and ‘Nancy Drew’ for when they are confident with their independent reading.

To further encourage engagement there is a two minute mystery at the end that allows the reader to ‘be a detective’ and solve a case. Although a bit controversial, the illustrated pages would also work as a colouring activity, as another fun avenue of maintaining engagement, especially with newer readers as it combines an activity most children will enjoy with reading.

I really enjoyed this story. It was exciting, engaging and funny! It should definitely be considered to have on library shelves, in schools and at home!