The Possum Always Rings Twice -- Bruce Hale

Yeah, so if you haven't been reading the Chet Gecko series, you've been missing out in a big way:

Down these mean streets a gecko must go.  And as I've tramped along, I've picked up some hard-earned wisdom (along with the gum on my shoes).  One thing I've learned:  There's just not enough peace, love and understanding in the world. 

And that's a good thing.  Otherwise, I'd be out of a job.

When life gets rough, tough, and tangled, that's where I come in.  I'm Chet Gecko, Emerson Hicky Elementary's best lizard detective (and two-time dodgeball champ).

Personally, I don't know how anyone would find Bruce Hale's books anything but irresistible after that intro.

But: if you need more:  Chet's best friend is a mockingbird named Natalie Attired.  Get it?  Get it?  His client this go-round is a sandpiper named...  wait for it...  wait for it...  Viola Fuss!!  (Come ON.  It's funny.  Awesomely funny.  I can't even take it.  I love these books.) 

Chet's narration is genius:

Dizzier than a carload of cheerleaders, I struggled to my knees.

He goes on to describe Rocky Rhode as a "cactus on steroids".  Yeah.  She's a horned toad. 

Natalie is also a riot:

"What do you think?"  I asked.

"Well, it's simple like my uncle Brad.  But unlike Brad, it just might work."

And never fear -- there's even scatological humor:

"Whoa there, cowgirl," I said.  "Back up your pony.  Why are you being threatened?  Have you been picking your toes in Pottawatomie?"

"Blowing bubbles without using your mouth?"  asked Natalie.

They're a great pick for kids that like the Time Warp Trio and other silly-type low-level chapter books.  I think they'd be great read-alouds, too -- especially if you do a decent Bogie.