Lark Holds the Key

by Natasha Deen, illustrated by Marcus Cutler, read by Tara Yelle

tagged: mysteries & detective stories, books & libraries, siblings, humorous stories

Description

The first book in the Lark Ba Detective series!

It’s the third day of summer vacation, and Lark’s halmoni—that’s Korean for grandmother—has promised to take Lark and her twin brother, Connor, to the library. Only trouble is, they arrive to discover that the town librarian is missing her key to the library. Lucky for her, Lark just happens to be a budding private eye. Can rookie detectives Lark and Connor solve this mystery and recover the lost key?

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

About the Authors

Natasha Deen graduated college with a psychology degree, but her passion has always revolved around stories. She has written mysteries, action, historical, and fantasy novels for kids, teens, and adults. For her, one of the best things about being an author is the chance to slip into other times and worlds, and to be anything she can imagine through her characters. Natasha lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with her pets and husband. When she’s not writing, she spends a lot of time trying to convince her animals that she’s the real boss of the house. Visit her at natashadeen.com.

Marcus Cutler is a freelance children's illustrator whose work has appeared in magazines, books, apps and more. He has worked with a variety of clients, including chickaDEE Magazine, OWL Magazine, Macmillan Publishers and Parks Canada, and he is the illustrator of the Lark Ba Detective series, The Owl and the Two Rabbits and The Walrus and the Caribou. Marcus lives in Tecumseh, Ontario.

Contributor Notes

Award-winning author Natasha Deen graduated from the University of Alberta with a BA in psychology. In addition to her work as a presenter and workshop facilitator with schools, she writes for kids, young adults and adults. Natasha was the 2013 Regional Writer in Residence for the Metro Edmonton Library Federation. Natasha lives in Edmonton.

Age:: 6 to 8
Grade:: 1 to 3
Reading age:: 6 to 8

Awards

Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection

Editorial Reviews

"There are enough clues in this engaging novel to allow readers to solve the mystery on their own, and astute detectives will be able to figure it out even before Lark does. Lark is a very likable and relatable character, with some quirkiness about her that children will find humorous…There are a perfect amount of illustrations, which are extremely appealing and perfectly enhance the story. This offering in the Orca Echoes Series of beginning chapter books is one that most libraries will see circulate."

— Resource Links

"Although there are many labels that could be placed on this short chapter book's protagonist, none of them matter to the plucky little heroine who loves to read...the subjects of race and learning disabilities are incorporated neatly...Lark is a mixed-race girl debuting a lighthearted series...she may develop into a character with a fan base, like Ramona and Clementine before her."

— Kirkus Reviews

"The narrative style...has a distinctively personal flavour with the inclusion of crossed out spelling attempts. Lark's fascination with words enhances the text and adds humour...Lark Holds the Key provides an excellent example of the steps of problem solving...After reading this first book in the Lark Ba detective series, young readers will look forward to the sequel."

— CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"A problem-solving adventure led by a lovable character and enhanced with vocabulary lessons: there is much to celebrate in this story. Lark Ba is a welcome addition to early chapter book heroines."

— School Library Journal (SLJ)

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