Jigsaw Jones: The Case from Outer Space

by James Preller

Overview

Jigsaw Jones is back! In The Case from Outer Space, an original mystery from James Preller, Jigsaw and his crew—Mila, Joey, and Danika—find a clue that implies an alien may be about to visit their school! Can it be true? And what does the Little Free Library have that aliens from outer space might want?

(Hint: The school librarian has invited a special guest to talk about space exploration—an astronaut!)

Friendship, mystery, and school-day shenanigans are what make the Jigsaw Jones chapter book mysteries beloved and read over and over. Includes a word jumble (names of planets in solar system), writing prompts, and information on how to start a little free library (which are taking hold in many parts of the country)!

This title has Common Core connections.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250110183
Publisher:	Feiwel & Friends
Publication date:	08/08/2017
Series:	Jigsaw Jones Series
Pages:	96
Sales rank:	441,445
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.56(h) x 0.56(d)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

James Preller is the author of the acclaimed novels Six Innings, Bystander, The Fall, and The Courage Test and the Scary Tales series, all published by Feiwel and Friends. He has also written several picture books, but is perhaps best known for the Jigsaw Jones series. He travels to classrooms around the country and maintains a blog about writing and literacy. He lives in Delmar, New York, with his family.

Editorial Reviews

05/01/2017
Gr 1–4—Jigsaw Jones is back! Preller's puzzle-solving second grader returns for his first mystery in 10 years, coinciding with the republication of four original "Jigsaw Jones" mysteries. Fans of the 32-book series will be happy to once more see Jigsaw, fellow detective Mila Yeh, teacher Mrs. Gleason, and other familiar friends. Here, classmates Joey and Danika find a mysterious note in a book they borrowed from a neighbor's Little Free Library. They are convinced it means that aliens are coming. Jigsaw and his friends spend afternoons investigating the mystery, while during the school day, they learn about the solar system. Then they catch the bus home, where they are involved in stakeouts, neighborhood canvasses, and code-breaking. As usual, Preller brings the threads together in the end. He references other real-world titles (Marjorie Weinman Sharmat's "Nate the Great"; David A. Kelly's "Ballpark Mysteries"; Richard and Florence Atwater's Mr. Popper's Penguins), includes a secret code (a "Substitution Code" this time), and incorporates deductive reasoning, allusions, and similes. Jigsaw has the same droll sense of humor longtime fans will remember ("As a cook, I'm pretty good with a toaster."). VERDICT Those who enjoy Preller's works for younger readers will welcome the return of Jigsaw Jones. Highly recommended, especially for devotees of series such as David A. Adler's "Cam Jansen," Ron Roy's "A to Z Mysteries" and "Calendar Mysteries," and, of course, Marjorie Weinman Sharmat's "Nate the Great."—Gina Petrie, Catawba College Library, NC

School Library Journal

"Jigsaw Jones is back! Preller’s puzzle-solving second grader returns for his first mystery in 10 years, coinciding with the republication of four original “Jigsaw Jones” mysteries. Fans will be happy to once more see Jigsaw, fellow detective Mila Yeh, teacher Mrs. Gleason, and other familiar friends. Here, classmates Joey and Danika find a mysterious note in a book they borrowed from a neighbor’s Little Free Library. They are convinced it means that aliens are coming. ... As usual, Preller brings the threads together in the end. ...Those who enjoy Preller’s works for younger readers will welcome the return of Jigsaw Jones. Highly recommended, especially for devotees of series such as David A. Adler’s “Cam Jansen,” Ron Roy’s “A to Z Mysteries” and “Calendar Mysteries,” and, of course, Marjorie Weinman Sharmat’s “Nate the Great.”— School Library Journal

“Will please Jigsaw Jones fans . . . with short sentences, bits of humor, and engaging illustrations, the latest early chapter book in Preller's long-running Jigsaw Jones Mystery series has plenty of appeal for young independent readers.” —Booklist

From the Publisher