The Pinchers and the diamond heist
Description
The first in a funny chapter book crime series about a well-behaved child who doesn't fit in to his family of criminals—featuring a prison break, a diamond heist, and a lie that saves the day.
Theo is good at most things. He can almost count to a thousand, knows several French words, and can operate the washing machine. But he can't lie or steal.
"You must try harder," says his mother sternly.
The Pincher Family love to steal things. It's what they are born for! When his parents leave to visit the diamond exhibition, Theo's heart sinks. After breaking Grandma out of prison (his little sister needs someone to read her bedtime story), Theo sees no alternative but to stop his parents stealing the diamond. His shout of "Stop! Police!" brings them only delight—Theo's lie has shown he is a true Pincher.
A mix of adventure, silliness, and everyday family life, and with bright and funny illustrations, this is a perfect chapter book for beginning and reluctant readers.
Praise for The Pinchers:"If you are looking for a goofy, good fun beginning chapter book reader series, pinch this book. Criminally good writing, illustrations, and design."—Jon Scieszka, US National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature
"Ingenious, well-written and with absolutely wonderful illustrations. We enjoy stories where we both giggle and nod thoughtfully . . . . Criminally good!" Crimetime Award for Children's Detective of the Year 2022
More Details
9781776575671
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Published Reviews
Kirkus Book Review
This first of a new series, translated from Swedish, follows the trials and tribulations of a black sheep in a family of thieves. Meet the Pinchers: parents Rob and Nic (get it?), little Criminellen (Ellen for short), Grandma Stola, and dog Sherlock. Ellen and Sherlock's thievery is food motivated; Nic and Stola go for what glitters; Rob targets safes. The family oddity is young Theo. Not only does he eschew theft, but he secretly aspires to be a police officer like Paul Eessman, the kindly, well-intentioned, but gullible cop who lives next door, the family's foil. The Pincher clan keeps in practice by swiping Theo's socks each day and by diligently lying (with fingers crossed behind their backs). To his parents' dismay, Theo can't help but tell the truth. The Pinchers' thievery quickly escalates from lifting Paul's morning newspaper to breaking out of jail, drugging guards, and attempting to steal a famed diamond--to Theo's dismay. Luckily, the boy finds a way to put things right…and earn his family's admiration. Droll line drawings dominated by shades of blue and gray enhance the farcical fun; the Pinchers are conveniently decked out in horizontal stripes, and everyone, even the dog (who resembles a pit bull), wears eye masks. Most characters are light-skinned. There are a few easter eggs for adult readers, who will recognize that Ellen's favorite bedtime story is Crime and Punishment. Sure to resonate with anyone who's felt like the odd one out. (Chapter book. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.