All summer, I’ll be sharing books for kids of all ages on topics that will interest them or offer them something new to learn about. Most of the time, these will be nonfiction books, but sometimes we can learn from fictional stories too. I believe reading over the summer is so important, and keeping kids interested in reading by finding books that are relevant and full of topics that they are interested in is very important. Kids should be reading at least 20 minutes every day, and I hope that these books offer you ideas to keep your kids reading and learning all summer.
Look for these posts every Friday. They will always have Summer Read-to-Learn in the title and the tags. There will be books from some of my favorite publishers as well as books on all kinds of topics kids love to read and learn about. Be sure to stop by each week to see what book I’m sharing as part of my Summer Read-to-Learn series.
To see all the books in the Summer Read-to-Learn series, click HERE.
SLEUTH & SOLVE: ART
20+ Mind-Twisting Mysteries
By: Victor Escandell
Adaption of Mysteries: Ana Gallo
Published: April 15, 2025
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Non-Fiction
Using logic or their imagination, kids can join with friends and family or be their own detective and solve the mysteries in the newest addition to the Sleuth & Solve series. Each puzzle will share art history alongside a mystery or puzzle to solve. Some puzzles are easier, others more difficult. Each is labeled with the skills needed and the difficulty level.
Once you read through the story, there are questions to answer or something to investigate. Pull the answer card back to reveal the answers. The puzzles travel through the years of Art History, beginning with the Prehistoric Era and ending with the Modern and Contemporary Art of the present day. Whether your child is knowledgeable in Art History or they are eager to learn, this book will keep them busy for a few hours.
I realized I didn’t know as much about Art History as I thought I did. Some of the puzzles were easy for me, while others I had no idea what the answer was. The cartoon-like illustrations are funny and will keep kids interested. Often, they won’t even realize they are learning because they will be so invested in the puzzle.
The final pages include 14 various artistic activities your child can try. Completing one a week will take them right through the summer break. The items needed, and the steps to take to complete the puzzle, along with an illustration, make each of the activities easy to create with just a few needed supplies. Kids can create a Triptych, a Chiaroscuro Picture, or a Cubist Self-Portrait. Maybe at the end of the summer, they could host an art show.
This book (and series) is perfect for kids who like to work on their own, but it’s also great as a family activity or with a group of friends. Anytime you can combine learning with fun activities, it’s a win for kids.
Click HERE to purchase a copy of SLEUTH & SOLVE: ART and the whole series, HERE.
Gift this book with these art supplies for a creative summer!
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Ana Gallo, Book Review, Children's books, Summer Read-to-Learn, Victor Escandell, art, non-fiction, puzzles