Though it could be a stand-alone picture book, this volume is meant to be used with an "interactive story buddy" sold separately from Hallmark: a stuffed gray-and-white raccoon named Watson. As an adult or child reads the story aloud, Watson makes remarks at specific prompts. What a great idea!
In this episode, Lola Ladybug cannot find her friend, Kip Caterpillar. She calls upon Watson for help, since he is the "go-to raccoon" who LOVES mysteries and helping others. Harriet Hawk offers advice as well. Eventually Watson figures out what has happened to Kip. The plot is a nice basic nature lesson; and as such, it's a bit more thought-provoking than the other two books in the series.
The storyline is simple enough that a beginning reader could learn it and navigate it. The illustrations are colorful and supply additional visual clues. Savvy users will soon understand what lines cue Watson's responses, and they may find other ways to entertain themselves with him. Advanced readers could even write their own Watson adventures.
I got Watson and the first book in the series because I'm a raccoon collector. And even though I'm an adult, I really enjoy reading these stories aloud to Watson on occasion, and having him answer in his cheery voice. Other adults I have shown them to have agreed and have thought of children who would love this toy-and-book combination. This episode is preceded by Book 1 Watson and the Case of The Sneaky Stealer and followed by Hallmark Watson the Raccoon Book #3 Watson and the Case of The Little Lost Caterpillar~Interactive Storybook~WATSON sold separately, though the order hardly matters. Once you have one, you'll probably want them all.It made an idea gift for my nephews. It helps them learn to love reading. I'll buy some more of the series.
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