• Age: 6 to 9
• Grade: 2 to 12

The first book in a mystery series features three sleuthing sisters, now in paperback

One spring evening, three strange visitors arrive in the town of Covenly. Sisters Hildegurp, Yuckmina, and Glubbifer are hoping to start fresh with a new business: a pet emporium! Their first customer is nine-year-old Jessica Nibley, who has lost her pet goat and hopes the sisters can help track it down. But when the sisters discover a mangled note with missing pieces that suggests they aren’t welcome in town, they suddenly have two mysteries to solve.

Jessica and the sisters jump on a broomstick and fly off to investigate. As they collect clues and get closer to solving the cases, Covenly residents start to look beyond the sisters’ unusual appearances and welcome them to the community as they are.

The first volume in this whimsical chapter book mystery series, now available in paperback, is filled with hilarious misunderstandings, clever wordplay, and dynamic illustrations. The sleuthing sisters, who are inspired by the three witches from Macbeth (there’s even a recipe for a witch’s stew!), invite Covenly residents and readers to look past appearances and embrace people for who they are, weirdness and all.

MARK DAVID SMITH has dug many holes but usually unearths rocks, roots, or underground creatures that prefer to be left alone. He is a teacher and writer living in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, with his family, whom he treasures. The Deepest Dig, which was inspired by the discovery of a mammoth skeleton on a Michigan farm, is his first picture book.

Mark David Smith's profile page

KARI RUST is the author and illustrator of Tricky and The House at the End of the Road. Kari has a background in character animation and design, and her hand-drawn images are full of warmth, style, and humor. A graduate of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Kari lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Kari Rust's profile page

• Short-listed, Joan Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s Book Award
• Commended, TD Summer Reading Club Top Recommended Read
• Commended, An Indigo Staff Pick
• Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens
• Short-listed, Cybils Awards

"A series of comical miscommunications and clever wordplay, with overarching themes of tolerance, acceptance, and open-mindedness that will have readers laughing out loud as they race to uncover the mysteries."

School Library Journal

"With the feel of a classic in the making, The Weird Sisters: A Note, a Goat, and a Casserole is an exciting start to a series that young readers will love."

Open Book

"This early chapter-book mystery is light on complexity and heavy on wordplay and illustrations, an ideal combination for youngsters firming up their reading skills. Couched within the story’s antics is gentle messaging against judging others, especially before you know them."

Booklist

"This book will tickle the funny bone. Young readers will enjoy this hilarious, light story."

Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database

"A well-written novel about witchcraft, friendship, and community ... Readers will definitely look forward to the next chapter in the story of the Weird Sisters!

Canadian Review of Materials

"A satisfying sleuthing adventure for young readers."

Foreword Reviews