Scoop - Softcover

John Kelly is the co-author and illustrator of THE MYSTERY OF EATUM HALL, for which he developed an innovative style of illustration using digital technology.

Cathy Tincknell co-authored THE MYSTERY OF EATUM HALL with her husband, John Kelly. Cathy Tincknell and John Kelly live in London.

Grade 1-5–Get ready for Monty Molenski, photographer and reporter for the Daily Roar. The mole feels sure that he's going to get a great story one of these days, but he's looked everywhere for vampires, ghosts, and aliens without coming up with a solid scoop to bring to his editor. One evening, several of his colleagues leave together for a mysterious private club and he is convinced that there's a story in their secrecy. Through handwritten notes in his reporter's pad laid over the illustrations, readers follow Monty on his quest. However, his detective work leaves something to be desired as he tries everything he can to get into the building without success. Meanwhile, his camera keeps misfiring and taking unintended photos. Youngsters will be rooting for him through his bumbling pursuits and revel in the artwork that shows aliens, ghosts, and various mythical characters roaming the city, while Monty remains oblivious. The sophistication of the language and humor will appeal to the upper elementary readers who often avoid picture books, but shouldn't. The digitally created art captures the details of the story and subplot with hilarity and intrigue. Youngsters will reexamine the pictures several times before feeling they have gotten the whole scoop. A quirky and entertaining read.–Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA
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