Two Crafty Criminals!: and how they were Captured by the Daring Detectives of the New Cut Gang by Philip Pullman

Philip Pullman takes a new tack and comes up a winner. Off of a London East End street there is a close and on that close live a faithful group of friends. Led by Thunderbolt Dobney and a whirlwind of chaos and brilliance by the name of Benny Kaminsky, these kids make up for their empty pockets with the riches of imagination. Trying to get an homemade waxwork of their favorite hot chestnut seller into the wax museum is all in an afternoons work. Ferreting out a gang of currency forgers takes just a little bit longer. These kids are direct descendants of  “the Baker Street Irregulars” by way of “Emil and the Detectives.” Love Pullman as I do, I wasn’t expecting this wonderful romp from the man who gave me “His Dark Materials.” Still, his matchless storytelling and really funny prose shine like stars.
Perfect for the 3rd - 6th grade boy or girl in your house.

--Reviewed by Elizabeth from Books Inc. Alameda