Titles in This Set:
Dog Snatchers: No. 1 Boy Detective
Under Cover: No. 1 Boy Detective

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9789124370749

Overview:
Meet Damian Drooth, the plucky, endearingly imperfect boy detective at the heart of two brisk, pocket-sized mysteries that are perfect for newly confident readers aged 6 and up. This two-book collection brings together Dog Snatchers and Under Cover in a single, affordable paperback, each story delivering quick-fire plots, warm humour, and satisfying reveals. In Dog Snatchers, Damian and his band of budding sleuths dive into a missing-dog case, testing bold ideas—from posters in the newsagent window to a decoy hound—only to discover that clever teamwork and careful observation lead to real clues. In Under Cover, Damian’s plan to recover a stolen bike at a Holiday Village spirals into comic chaos as his schemes collide with the bustling mystery around him. Lively illustrations by Tony Ross accompany every moment, making the pages dance with character and action. This collection is an ideal starter for young readers stepping into chapter books, a perfect gift for curious minds, and a reliable read-aloud favourite for families and classrooms alike.

What Makes This Collection Special:
Two compact adventures, one irresistible hero. This set showcases the same endearing detective energy across two different cases, giving readers a welcoming sense of continuity while introducing fresh problems to solve. Barbara Mitchelhill’s playful storytelling is balanced by Tony Ross’s expressive drawings, providing abundant visual cues that support early readers as they piece together clues. The format—short chapters, bright illustrations, and a steady pace—helps reluctant readers gain confidence, while eager readers will relish the quick satisfactions of each mystery. Beyond entertainment, the books model curiosity, teamwork, and ethical problem-solving. With the familiar “No. 1 Boy Detective” branding, the pair invites kids to follow Damian’s adventures further, making this collection a compelling gateway into the wider Damian Drooth universe and a fantastic gift choice for young mystery lovers.

Books Included in This Collection:
Dog Snatchers: No. 1 Boy Detective
Damian and his detective apprentices tackle a neighbour’s missing dog in a bustling community. The team’s enthusiasm is matched by a string of experimental ideas—some funny, some flawed—each step bringing kids closer to the truth. The brisk plot keeps pacing lively, while Tony Ross’s rib-tickling illustrations illuminate key moments and suspects. This story rewards curiosity with accessible clues and a warm, reassuring tone, making it a superb entry point for emerging readers to practice inference, memory, and sequential thinking in a low-pressure setting.

Under Cover: No. 1 Boy Detective
When a super-expensive bike vanishes at the Holiday Village, Damian crafts a plan that is bold, a touch theatrical, and wonderfully imperfect. As his scheme unfolds, so does a bubbling comic chaos that kids will relish, all while the mystery edges toward a satisfying resolution. Ross’s illustrations pace the action and punctuate the humour, helping early readers visualise suspects and clues. This story stands on its own but also complements Dog Snatchers by reinforcing problem-solving, resilience, and the joy of a clever, well-executed plan.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Ideal for children aged 6–9 who are transitioning from picture books to chapter books, and for parents or carers seeking light, engaging mysteries with strong read-aloud potential. It’s perfect for reluctant readers who respond to humour, visual cues, and quick rewards, as well as for teachers wanting short, self-contained stories to use in classroom literacy activities. Gift buyers will appreciate a two-book collection that delivers value, portability, and immediate reading satisfaction, while collectors and fans of the Damian Drooth series will enjoy the continuity and the vivid Tony Ross artwork that defines the experience.

Key Benefits:

• Two complete adventures in one affordable paperback
• Humourous, accessible mysteries that boost early reading confidence
• Vibrant Tony Ross illustrations that bring every scene to life
• Short chapters and clear clues support independent reading and comprehension
• Perfect as a gift for budding detectives and fans of the Damian Drooth series
• UK edition design with enduring re-readability for growing libraries

About the Author:
Barbara Mitchelhill is a celebrated children's author known for Run Rabbit Run and Road to London, and she writes the Damian Drooth stories for younger readers. Her work is praised for its warm humour, approachable voice, and reader-friendly pacing that invites children to solve along with the characters. Mitchelhill’s storytelling has earned recognition, including the Solihull Children's Book Award for Storm Runners and the Stockton Book of the Year for Run Rabbit Run. In the Damian Drooth series, she pairs playful plots with enduring themes of curiosity, problem-solving, and friendship, all brought to life by the distinctive illustrations of Tony Ross. This collection showcases her hallmark blend of mischief and heart, offering young readers a reliable, enjoyable entry into a beloved detective universe.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
Two quick, satisfying mysteries featuring Damian Drooth, delivered in a single, value-packed collection. It’s the kind of reading experience that builds momentum—short chapters, witty banter, and bright illustrations—so children feel accomplished as they finish each story. The consistent tone and familiar hero create a comforting reading journey, while the playful twists keep curiosity alive. A wonderful gift for birthdays, holidays, or just-because moments, the set is ideal for home libraries, classroom shelves, and reading nooks where young readers love to return for more adventures with Damian and his team.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.