Tekavec takes 13 animals in the animal kingdom and bestows on them the title of criminal in this humorous look at animal behavior, life span, diet and group name.    Detective X , a polar bear in a special officer uniform, must go through the stack of rap sheets and clues to bring these animal criminals to justice.  Each two page spread explains the criminal’s name and shows the notes and evidence in their file.  Some of the animals include a Llama, a Capuchin, and a Naked Mole Rat all makes an appearance.  Batori’s cartoon illustrations provide brightly colored details showing items that might be found in a “police” file.  Evidence photos, coffee rings on file folders, pencils and highlighters scattered on the policeman’s desk all help set the scene.  The humor matches readers of Dog Man in concept, but the packaging of the information in picture book style will limit the audience that will truly appreciate the comic relief.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian