Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor author of The Underneath “Be prepared for a full-feathered flight of fancy, with a most surprising twist.” “Spot-on and a clever story ensure this latest from Cronin will be a favorite among middle-grade readers.” Penna uses pauses and speed to heighten the suspense, and jazzy music provides just the right background.” As mother Mooch, chick Sugar, and determined little Dirt, he shines. He excels at delivering the one-liners-‘life outside the shell not all it is cracked up to be’-in the deadest of deadpan. He is clipped and tough as the veteran detective and superior and snide as Vince. “Vinnie Penna is well matched to this takeoff on vintage mysteries. Heavily illustrated with black-and-white artwork from Kevin Cornell, this new series is destined to become a classic. not smelling the evidence that’s right in front of him?īestselling author Doreen Cronin uses her deadpan humor to pitch-perfect effect in her first novel for young readers.

Is Vince the Funnel hiding something? Are there dark forces at work-or is J.J. Driven by the promise of a cheeseburger, J.J. So he’s not terribly impressed when two chicks named Dirt and Sugar (who look like popcorn on legs) and their chicken mom show up demanding his help to track down their missing siblings. Tully is a former search-and rescue dog who is trying to enjoy his retirement after years of performing daring missions saving lives.

The trouble with chickens book