Detective Gordon: The First Case is the perfect book for kids who have finished beginning chapter books and are ready for a longer story.  It’s about a squirrel who has had their winter supply of nuts stolen and went to the police, an old toad, for help.  The old toad, Detective Gordon, goes to the scene of the crime and determines to investigate, telling the squirrel to go home and to keep warm inside, away from this freezing weather.  After awhile a shivering little mouse comes out with an acorn.  She took it because she was so hungry.  She helps Detective Gordon become un-stuck from the snow and together they go back to the police station.  She becomes his assistant.  The story goes on in such a fashion showing compassion for the needy, and is a story reminiscent of days gone by.  This would be a perfect read aloud for the younger grades.