• Age: 6 to 9
• Grade: 2 to 4

Three sleuthing sisters find unanticipated self-acceptance in book two of this hilarious mystery series, now available in paperback

It’s summer, and the Weird Sisters are convinced that the residents of Covenly aren’t visiting their pet emporium—and newly opened detective agency—because the sisters are too strange. So they decide to try to fit in by letting nine-year-old Jessica Nibley teach them how to play on the swing.

They soon discover the town’s beloved tire swing lying on the ground with its rope severed. Who would do such a thing? And why? Jessica and the sisters are determined to solve the mystery. As they search for clues, they stumble onto a second mystery: the robin that nests at Chelsea Oh’s house has gone missing. So they plan to find both the robin and the swing vandal.

The second book in this whimsical chapter book mystery series is full of clever wordplay, humorous misunderstandings, and expressive illustrations. With hints of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this kid-empowering story encourages self-acceptance and open-mindedness.

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

"Puns, charmingly eccentric characters, and Amelia Bedelia–esque misunderstandings on the parts of the well-meaning but clueless sisters result in an amusing book for readers transitioning into longer chapter books ... Punny, whimsical fun."

Kirkus Reviews

"Young readers who are transitioning from early readers to middle grade will appreciate the humour, the plotting and most definitely the characters."

CanLit for Little Canadians