The Mysterious Abductions

Series: The Nocturnals #1

Written by Tracey Hecht

Illustrated by Kate Liebman

232 pages – ages 7+

Published by Fabled Films on April 19, 2016

Synopsis- Tobin the pangolin was walking home when a pomelo fell on his head. As he went to eat it, a sugar glider named Bismark claimed that it was his pomelo. Dawn, a nearby fox heard the commotion and came to investigate. After solving the problem, the animals decide to form the Nocturnal Brigade-a team devoted to helping other creatures of the night, such as themselves. Just one thing – they didn’t expect their skills to be needed so soon! They hear a scream, and find a frightened wombat by a riverbank. Her brother had been abducted! Now it is up to the Nocturnal Brigade to find him and bring him back. But with more abductions happening, will they figure it out in time?

What I Thought- This was a fun story that teaches a little bit about certain nocturnal creatures. I had not heard of a pangolin before, and I ended up looking them up (they’re pretty cool – you should do it!). The characters each have distinct personalities that you really get to know as the book goes on. I liked that when the bad guy comes to his senses he isn’t truly punished, but he is not necessarily forgiven (we can’t forgive you yet, sort of thing) – which I thought was a good lesson for kids, that if they do something bad, they won’t get forgiven instantly. There are neat illustrations throughout the book, and they are instantly likeable. I really liked Ms. Hecht’s writing style, and the loopy story and characters she wrote. I cannot wait for book 2!

I give this book five out of five bookworms!

Categories: Age 6-9

Tags: kate liebman, the mysterious abductions, the nocturnals, tracey hecht