Review: The Brain Finds a Leg by Martin Chatterton

Title: The Brain Finds a Leg
Author: Martin Chatterton
Released: 10/2/2009
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Number of pages: 224
Reading Level: Young Adult

4 out of 5 Stars









Description from the publisher’s website:


Something strange is happening in Farrago Bay and Sheldon McGlone is going to get to the bottom of it. The local wildlife is behaving strangely and so are some of the grown-ups, particularly his teacher, the weird and elusive Miss Fleming. It doesn't help that Sheldon is being relentlessly pursued by bullies—including his older brother!

Just when things couldn't get much worse, a new kid turns up in Sheldon's classroom. Theophilus Brain, aka "The Brain," has an excessive imagination and a lot of odd ideas about what is ailing Farrago Bay. With a missing human leg and a crocodile who likes to play fetch as clues, Sheldon and the Brain turn detective and uncover a web of evil that stretches across two continents.

Author Martin Chatterton has crafted a wonderfully imaginative mystery that features memorable, well-drawn characters and an over-the-top storyline. The surprising and occasionally hilarious plot twists will engage and delight young readers.

My thoughts:


In The Brain Finds a Leg we meet Sheldon.  Sheldon isn’t one of the most popular kids in Farrago Bay.  He’s awkward, and the target of the school bully. Then new kid, Theophilus Brain, chooses Sheldon to be the Watson to his Holmes.  Zany antics ensue after this partnership is formed that is guaranteed to entertain even the most reluctant reader. The Brain and Sheldon have set out to not only solve the murder of Biff Manly, but also the reason behind the strange animal behavior troubling Farrago Bay. Kangaroos robbing grocery stores, crocodiles behaving like dogs, and possums stealing cars! The Brain and Sheldon have their work cut out for them.  Wacky characters, bizarre predicaments, and a writing style that has the ability to simultaneously be both comical, and educational. The Brain Finds a Leg is truly a delight to read.


Stop by Friday, and check out the blog tour for the newest book featuring The Brain and Sheldon.  Not only can you read my review, but you also have a chance to win a copy of the second book in this series, The Brain Full of Holes.

Martin Chatterton on the web:

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*I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thanks Erin from Peachtree Publishing!