• Age: 6 to 9
• Grade: 1 to 5

This junior graphic novel for ages 6 to 9 follows a bumbling goat detective in a hilarious barnyard mystery
A peaceful day on the farm turns to panic when Hen discovers her egg has been stolen! The only one who can crack the case? Billiam Van Hoof, the world’s number one goat detective (at least, that’s what he calls himself). As Van Hoof questions the animals and collects clues—a piece of eggshell, a yellow feather, and some tiny footprints—the answer to the mystery becomes obvious to everyone except the bumbling inspector.
Readers will enjoy piecing together the clues long before the hapless goat detective and will laugh along with his ridiculous conclusions. The bright, comic illustrations in this junior graphic novel are filled with visual jokes and quirky details that kids will delight in finding. With a cast of lovable characters, this goofy mystery story—the first in the Farm Crimes series—is a great introduction to graphic novels.

SANDRA DUMAIS writes and illustrates comic books, picture books and stories for kids and other silly people. Her books have even received a few different honors and nominations, most recently Le Prix des Libraires in Québec. She lives in Montreal, Quebec with her husband, their two children, and a polkadot rescue dog named India.

Sandra Dumais' profile page

• Commended, Little Mavericks Graphic Novel Reading List
• Commended, TD Summer Reading Club Top Recommended Read
• Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens (starred selection)
• Short-listed, Joan Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s Book Award

"Both visual and verbal gags abound to help keep readers engaged. The art is simple in design and color, making it easy for kids to remember the scenes and even redraw their favorite characters... Readers will easily solve the case before the farm animals and will get a kick out of being in-the-know before everyone else."

Youth Services Book Review

"This mystery, told in a graphic novel format, has many comical moments as the inspector tries to solve the crime... Readers who enjoy the graphic novel format are likely to be pleased with this unique tale."

Children’s Literature

"Dumais’s paneled illustrations add extra brightness and humor to the mystery... Intermediate readers will welcome the engaging inspector for investigative fun."

Publishers Weekly

"Children are sure to enjoy this entertaining story while, at the same time, learning a little about problem solving and collaboration."

Canadian Review of Materials

"Attentive readers may crack the case early on, but they’ll be rewarded by laugh-out-loud details and visual gags."

School Library Journal

"The details along the way are hilariously confused... many readers will enjoy feeling ahead of the game."

Kirkus Reviews