Aliens in Woodford (Sam: Dog Detective) - Hardcover

Mary Labatt is an editor and writer. She is the author of the Dog Detective Sam mystery series, the Sam and Friends graphic mystery novels, the Puppy Sam level one early readers and a novel called A Puppy is for Loving. With all these dog books you can guess what Mary does on her Clear Creek, Ontario farm. She breeds and raises Rough Collies and Welsh Springer Spaniels. In the picture you can see Mary with two of her collie mothers, Annabel and Chloe.

Grade 2-4-The fourth title in a series about a sheepdog that likes to play detective. Samantha's young human neighbor, Jennie, can hear the dog's thoughts (which are italicized in the text) and is willingly drawn into her intrigues. This time, Sam has spotted unusual nighttime lights and activities on Woodford's abandoned airfield and is convinced that aliens are preparing to invade the peaceful town. Sam's suspicious nature mixed with Jennie's curiosity spin them in several directions as they work together, along with Jennie's friend Beth, to solve this puzzle. While their adventures are lively, the resolution seems somewhat far-fetched and implausible. Still, readers who like dog stories mixed with humor and light mystery will enjoy Sam's latest romp.
Janie Schomberg, Leal Elementary School, Urbana, IL
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