31 Days of Book Detectives ~ Day 30: The Mystery of the Missing Lion

[Click here to read other posts in the series.]

Our last book of the series! Tomorrow I’ll share a wrap-up post. I can’t believe the month is coming to an end.

Have you read The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency? It’s honestly one of the most delightful modern series for adults that I’ve ever read. Set in Botswana, the series chronicles the creation and continuation of Precious Ramotswe’s detective agency. Now, the author, Alexander McCall Smith, has given us a way to include our children in the fun. He’s created an early chapter book series for kids based on the childhood of his fictional heroine, Precious.

Not only are the stories charming and adventurous, but they are a fascinating look into the culture and geography of Botswana. Did you know that Botswana, located just above the country of South Africa, is roughly the size of Texas?! It is so easy to forget just how large and diverse the continent of Africa is! And did you know that the Okavango River flows backward—away from the sea—and eventually spreads out and disappears into the sands of the desert?

Three books in the series are available so far, beginning with The Great Cake Mystery: Precious Ramotswe’s Very First Case. I think my favorite of the three is The Mystery of Meerkat Hill, but today we will be discussing The Mystery of the Missing Lion. Our protagonist, Precious, is a strong female role model, but all three books include a boy character. If you are interested in a series with a boy protagonist, try McCall Smith’s early chapter book series Akimbo.

The illustrations by Iain McIntosh are bold and fun and each book contains additional geographical, cultural, and educational information at the end.

Crime Scene [Setting]

Where?

Botswana in southern Africa

The Kalahari Desert

The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana

Eagle Island Camp

When?

Modern Day

A few days

Precious’s childhood

Suspects [Characters]

Who?

Precious Ramotswe—a nine year old girl who lives in Botswana, wants to be a detective, pays attention to detail, smart, great problem solver, asks questions, very intuitive about people, kind, adventurous and brave

Aunty Bee—Precious’s aunt, creative, story teller, fun, generous, works at a safari camp

Obed Ramotswe—Precious’s father, kind

Khumo—boy, about 9 years old, friendly

Filmmakers [Tom]—Nice to children

Teddy—tame lion, actor, obedient, playful