Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop: A Tiny Treasure Hunt by Jamie Michalak, Kelly Murphy
Published by Candlewick Press on May 2, 2023
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy, Mystery
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

A trip to Paris, a treasure hunt through a cafe/bookshop, and an adorably inquisitive mouse for a main character: what could be better? Michalak and Murphy team up again to bring us another Dakota Crumb adventure, this time beginning with a plea for help from a Parisian cousin and ending with (spoiler alert) a surprise birthday party!

This whimsical picture book leads young readers on a quest to find clues and search for a missing book, all while keeping an eye out for cats and a dog. The real treasure is the gorgeous watercolor illustrations. Murphy has an interesting way of playing with light and dark, and she creates plenty of tiny details that will charm kids and their grown-ups.

This book is recommended for all libraries that serve children in preschool through early elementary and will especially appeal to readers who are interested in miniatures and search-and-find books. After the conclusion of the story, readers are given an opportunity to look back through the book to find a series of small items hidden throughout the pages.

Reviewed by Kristy Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library