Detective Thinking: Books

Detective Thinking: Books

Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? (Also use other books in the series) Age: 4-7 years old Activity: With limited clues to observe children guess what’s on the next page. Writing/Drawing Extension: Write new version of the book. Focus on what clues would be best to describe a new animal, everyday object, activity, place etc. Use your imagination. Just don’t forget the focus is on appropriate clues to help observation. Include different senses to observe.

I Spy… (Use the entire series) Age level 6-12 - This series of books is a child favorite. Limited reading skills are needed to use these books. Children use their observation skills to “spy” things on the page. Take the time to do this with your child.

Encyclopedia Brown Age level 9-12 - Sit back, read and enjoy the books in the Encyclopedia Brown series. Practice your new found detective thinking skills as you solve the mysteries with Encyclopedia Brown.

Cam Jansen Age level 8-12 - Cam Jansen is a girl detective with a “camera” like mind. She’s an expert at solving mysteries. Enjoy the series as you practice your detective thinking skills. This series is also a great transition from picture books to chapter books.

Young Cam Jansen Age level 5-8 – A “junior” version of the Cam Jansen series. They are written to engage and interest the 5-8 year old.

The Berenstain Bears and the Missing Dinosaur Bone Age Level 4-8 - Join your favor pair of bears, Brother and Sister Bear, as they solve the case of the missing bones. This is a wonderful early reader book. You’ll enjoy reading it as you practice your detective thinking skills.

The Boxcar Children Mysteries Age Level 9-12 - This is another great series to enjoy and practice detective thinking.

Nancy Drew Mysteries Age Level 9-12 - A classic series of books written with girls in mind. Practice your detective thinking skills as you solve mysteries with Nancy Drew.

Hardy Boys Mysteries Age Level 9-12 - Another classic series of books written with boys in mind. Enjoy these mysteries as try to solve the mysteries with the Hardy Boys.

Websites for detective thinking skills are coming next.

Have you figured out where you use detective thinking?

See you soon,

Edison U. Ratio Smart