The Creatures of Chichester: The One About the Stolen Dog: 1

This one is written for the middle grade readers. Yet, it was entertaining for me as an avid, adult reader as well. The simple descriptions build up a world quickly within the early pages of talking animals and grudging respect between the different species - spiders, cats, and falcons. The setting feels a little like London, yet has enough different that it provides its own charm.The pace was a gentle romp through the mystery, clues, and resolution that I think is perfectly suitable for the target audience. There is a moral that seems to be hidden within the world, and the pace enables the reader to absorb it without having to make it either very prominent or condescending toward the readers.The character development is very well done. In most of the cases the animal descriptions could be left out, and you would have polite young boys and girls, snooty boys and girls, and even a couple of bullies (who do get their come-uppance in the end.)While this is written as a mystery, the exploration of the city provides plenty of opportunity for the pace of the story to bog down. This never happens, because each time a new area is introduced, either a new clue is presented, or a new character is discovered who may help or hinder with the investigation. Also, Christopher does a wonderful job working around the limitations presented by his choice of animals as the cast of this tale, with many of the humorous work arounds they had to do in order to get the gathered information needed by the humans to the humans in order to solve the case.

I loved reading this gentle but imaginative story, which sees the insects and animals of Chichester working together to solve the mysterious theft of one of their own - a much-loved pup, called Streak.Christopher Joyce answers one niggling doubt that I always had as a child when watching films or reading books about talking animals...these animals don't talk to each other, they "spink" (an agreed method of communication somewhere between thinking and speech). I loved Joyce's inventive terminology (including the reference to all humans as "Twolegs"), as well as his interesting and varied choice of names to suit each individual creature involved.The book is a great example for kids of how to pull together to work as a team, and how to make the best of each team member's unique abilities. Of course, as in real life, not everyone wants to join in and help, and the two aggressive bats (Punchbag and Rowina) are best avoided altogether!The plot thickens, with the theft of a second dog, but the creatures continue to look for the perpetrator of these dog thefts, as well as to hatch a cunning rescue plan. Of course, as they are unable to communicate directly with the Twolegs, the creatures also need to work out how to make sure that the guilty parties are caught by the local law enforcement...I don't think I am giving too much away by saying that this book has a happy ending!A great read for all young animal lovers!

Since reading 'The Creatures of Chichester' I've been taking extra care of the spiders who live in my window boxes.They might be related to Button and Stitchley, the two heroic Chichester spiders in this story, and be able to help me if I get into difficulties. Facing all kinds of dangers, including hungry, vengeful bats, Button and Stitchley work with other animals and birds to rescue the stolen dog of the title. Streak, as you ask, an adorable, but over friendly puppy who has been abducted by a child 'Twolegs'.The birds, animals and insects communicate by 'spinking' (a mixture of speaking and thinking), something I wish that I could do. Christopher Joyce makes his story exciting and relevant, describing events that are familiar to all 'Twolegs', from a creatures perspective. For example, I've screamed and run away when I've spotted a mouse, never imagining that it could be a brave and clever mouse on a mission. If only I'd been able to spink....Easy to read and full of fun, I would highly recommend this book, enjoyable for both children and adults. A perfect 'read aloud' book.

I recently went to England and had a chance to go to Chichester so when I saw this book I had to get it. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the author wove his story around the city. It brought back very fond memories for me. I also loved the way the creatures in the story came together in friendship and worked together to rescue their missing companion. This is a great lesson for kids to learn. I bought a copy for my good friend's young daughter and she loved the book as much as I did.

The animals and creatures of Chichester all come together to help find their friend, who is a little dog. The mice and spiders and others band together to solve this problem. The dog was last seen with a "two leg". I won't spoil the story so you can read and find out how this story ends! It's a great tale based in a real town. I really think you will like it. I did!