Detective Catz and the Missing Nut

Catz indulges his love for roleplaying by delving into his detective box, inspired to solve a mystery when Flossy the squirrel reports her missing nut. Armed with his magnifying glass, camera and an apple for when he gets hungry, Catz sets off towards the Big Tree in search of clues. Along the way, he meets other friends and finds several discarded items but no big nut no matter how hard he searches. Dejected, he heads off to tell his friends of his lack of success until a serendipitous discovery leads to a heartwarming resolution for all.

Henrichs possesses a magical ability to tap into children’s creativity and imagination, consistently delivering delightful experiences. Through her signature illustrative style, her narratives and ideas resonate alongside authors like Daisy Hirst and Shirley Hughes. Within the pages of this book, numerous subtle clues are cleverly woven into the illustrations, inviting eagle-eyed readers to uncover puzzles and connections with each subsequent reading.

While there are subtle messages here about being kind and supporting others, it is the playful, creative mindset of the child-like animals that holds the appeal. Bright washes of watercolour and pen show character and movement that mirror young children at play, and it is refreshing to see this set in the outdoors. A lovely picture book full of energy and playfulness that will engage and inspire its young readers.