Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 11 Nov 2025

The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Puzzling Paw Prints by Vashti Hardy, illustrated by Agnes Saccani

I am always pleased to see another book in the ‘Little Gem’ series of books. The slightly chunky format is a perfect transition from larger picture books. There is not too much text on each page and there are also colourful illustrations throughout to hold the interest of the younger reader.

This is the second book in the Moonlight Mystery Agency series aimed at readers aged 5+. Starting the new year at school can be daunting for many children. Hana is fretting about the new teacher, new children and new classroom and declares that she would prefer to work on a farm! Even though her little brother Arlo is still a baby, he echoes her worries and declares ‘No nursery! Yuk nursery!’. Their wise dad suggests that they will probably feel more positive the next day, but Hana isn’t convinced.

Luckily she has a magical cat friend who often visits her at night and they have had adventures together as the Moonlight Mystery Agency where they solve mysteries in a magical land called Moonlight. She is delighted when he turns up again and they go through the ritual of turning the magic key in the hole in her bed frame. This gives a truly spectacular result and they sail away over a silver forest. They arrive at a curious pond that is filled with giant bubbles and several tiny green trolls who seem to be expecting them.

As the story unfolds, we go with them all as they try to track down the creature that has left a huge paw print. I won’t reveal what they find, as you will want to find out for yourselves. It involves getting very muddy and then meeting up with a strange character that they had met on their previous visit. As they successfully solve the mystery, Hana realises that she is also confident to cope with her worries about school

I strongly recommend this gentle adventure story published by Barrington Stoke who specialise in providing top quality books for those who need support and encouragement. It is also a satisfying quick read for more confident readers. It is available to buy from your local independent bookshop who will order a copy if not already on their shelves.

 

Karen Argent

November 2025