The Case of the Missing Chalk Drawings
There is a mystery to be solved, and Sergeant Blue is on the case! The chalks are distraught when they discover that their drawings have been stolen. Sergeant Blue offers to assist and collects evidence that eventually leads the chalks to the robber. This funny read aloud has such vibrant illustrations that it makes the reader want to brush the chalk dust off the pages. Creative problem-solving eventually captures the thief, but the motivation behind the crime prompts a compassionate turn of events. Despite its contents, this book won’t collect any dust on your shelves!
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Adults can introduce the parts of a story during this fun read. Children will be eager to share ideas about the characters, the introduction, the problem, the evidence, and the (surprising) solution. Adults can respond to children’s ideas and model how to organize them by writing them on paper. In addition, chalk is a fun addition to classroom writing materials.
When reading this book together, parents can use the word “stolen” to describe the missing chalk drawings instead of the word “erased” to keep the excitement building and encourage children to solve the mystery at hand. By pointing to the pictures of the suspects, parents can direct children’s attention to the different characteristics of each one in more detail. After reading, parents and children can take turns sharing memories about their experiences using chalk and erasers, and brainstorm games and activities they can play together.