Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Mysterious Handprints [Paperback]

Donald J. Sobol (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Encyclopedia Brown

A stolen watermelon...

Dueling kites...

A blond wig left at the scene of the crime...

And a smashed wristwatch whose time has run out!

These are just some of the ten brain-twisting mysteries that Encyclopedia Brown must solve by using his famous computerlike brain. Try to crack the cases along with him--the answers to all the mysteries are found in the back!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

There will be a brisk demand for Sobol's new book about the boy detective whose adventures have been bestsellers for years. Lively drawings by Owens illustrate 10 cases that Leroy (Encyclopedia) solves and invites readers to puzzle out. In the title story, it seems that odd handprints will make a wheelchair-bound guest a suspect in the theft of his host's valuables. But Encyclopedia recognizes the red herring, absolves the innocent and clinches the case against the culprit. The clues are presented fairly and the solutions are appended for stumped whodunit fans. A simultaneous publication is Encyclopedia Brown's 3rd Record Book of Weird & Wonderful Facts, with pictures by Sal Murdocca; $10.25 ISBN 0-688-05705-5 .
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6 The ten-year-old sleuth, accompanied by his "Watson," Sally, solves ten more cases which plague Idaville. Readers are encouraged to guess the solutions, which are printed at the end of the book. Each case is a short five pages in large type, with a simple plot. The solutions usually follow logically from the set-up, and readers just have to pay careful attention to the clues. There are a couple, however, that depend upon special knowledge that a child might not have. Still, readers can enjoy the revelation and admire Encyclopedia for knowing. Much of the evidence wouldn't stand up in a court of law, but who cares? The villain usually confesses anyway. Idaville has a small town atmosphere, and everyone seems to utter cute, folksy turns of phrase, some of them real groaners like, "she could move in the best circles without going straight." One full-page pen-and-ink drawing accompanies each story, and a half-page illustration appears with each solution. No doubt the book will be as popular as the other books in the series, and it won't let fans down. Annette Curtis Klause, Montgomery County Libraries, Md.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (January 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553157396
• ISBN-13: 978-0553157390
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.3 x 7.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #405,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Series > Mystery & Detective > Encyclopedia Brown
  • #23 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( S ) > Sobol, Donald J.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars encyclopedia's review, May 1, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Mysterious Handprints (Paperback)

You should get the book Encyclopedia Brown and the case of the mysterious hand prints because it is a great book.Donald J. Sobol wrote many Encyclopedia Brown's and this is the best by far. If you like mystery books Encyclopedia Brown and the case of the mysterious hand prints is the book for you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute stories but not quite as good as the first books, March 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Mysterious Handprints (Paperback)

Although Donald Sobol has written many wonderful books about Encycolpedia Brown this one required a little more guess work when trying to come up with the requisite solution. Encyclopedia Brown faces his favorite enemy, Bugs Meany and solves cases with his friend Sally. The stories are entertaining but some were a little hard to figure out such as deciphering punctuation and a blouse that was not reported missing. They were clues that were not obvious at all. It's still a good book but the earlier books were better done.

5.0 out of 5 stars A good book and a fun read for any Encyclopedia Brown fan!, June 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Mysterious Handprints (Library Binding)

Although Donald Sobol has written many wonderful books about Encycolpedia Brown this one required a little more guess work when trying to come up with the requisite solution. Encyclopedia Brown faces his favorite enemy, Bugs Meany and solves cases with his friend Sally. The stories are entertaining but some were a little hard to figure out such as deciphering punctuation and a blouse that was not reported missing. They were clues that were not obvious at all. It's still a good book but the earlier books were better done.