"Quinn and Penny Investigate How to Research" by Thomas Kingsley Troupe, Illustrated by Sole Otero

Image Courtesy of: http://www.preboundbooks.com/ws/image/cover/34416/m

Bibliographic Citation

Title: Quinn and Penny Investigate How to Research

Author: Thomas Kingsley Troupe

Illustrator: Sole Otero

Year of Publication: 2011

Publisher City: Mankato

Publisher: Picture Window Books

ISBN: 9781404862906

Author Website: http://www.thomaskingsleytroupe.com/

Illustrator Website: http://www.wilkinsonstudios.com/mainPageFrameset.cfm?peopID=123&lookingfor=portfolio

Media Used for Artwork: Computer Generated

Copyright 2010/2011

Annotation

Quinn and his trusty pen, Penny, want to become detectives.  After being given an assignment to write a research paper by Ms. Readwell the duo work together solve the mystery of the Loch Ness monster.

Personal Reaction

Since research papers are very important during the school curriculum it is essential to teach students how to conduct the research.  As soon as children are old enough papers become a major factor in their grades.  This book is a wonderful tool to teach the different steps needed to complete a research paper.  Not only do readers learn the different steps needed to successfully conduct research for a school assignment, they are given an example through Quinn and Penny’s research about the Nessie.  Practical information is provided and doesn’t talk down to the reader so that the facts are easily taught. Also, as a librarian I am so glad that this book promotes using a library to conduct research for a school assignment.  

                The Sherlock Holmes attire Quinn wears helps set the mood to the feeling that a mystery is being solved.  The illustrations help to make the story fun, instead of tedious like directions for assignments.  Penny the Pen is really a great addition to the cast of characters.  Personifying the tool that students use in school is great since is reinforces the essential nature of research in school.

Curriculum: Grade 6- English: To teach the steps in conducting a research paper, teachers and librarians can use this book to reinforce the steps needed to be successful.  This book can be used as friendly reminders during the process and also a way to introduce the steps.  After reading about Quinn and Penny’s case, students can then conduct their own research and write a paper of their results.  It would be interesting if teachers can even use the key question used in the book.