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.