Leon Chameleon P.I. and the case of the missing canary eggs
By: Janet Hurst-Nicholson ; illustrated by Barbara McGuire.
Contributors: McGuire, Barbara, ill.
Publisher: Gecko Books
Published: 1993
Place of publication: Cowies Hill [South Africa]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 68
Subjects: Animals -- Juvenile fiction.; Animals -- Fiction.; Chameleons -- Fiction.; Mystery and detective stories.; Humour - fiction
Genres: Children
Other titles: Leon Chameleon P.I. and the case of the kidnapped mouse
First sentence: "Hmm, I wonder what all the commotion is?" thought Leon Chameleon, Private Investigator, edging along the branch of the Pigeonwood tree. "It could be a client. I'd better take a look."
Description: This book was selected as one of Jay Heale's BOOKCHAT AWARD winners 1993 South African books of the year.
Suitable for 7 - 12 yrs (and lovely for parents to read to younger children)
 
When Mrs Canary's eggs mysteriously disappear, a frantic Mr Canary dashes straight off to the Pigeon Valley Police for help. Unfortunately, Sergeant Loerie and Constable Mole's hasty attempts to make an arrest lead them to the wrong suspects. Leon Chameleon P.I., who has quietly kept an eye on developments, decides it is time to step in and offer his services - after all, isn't he the best Private Eye in Pigeon Valley? He puts all his skills to work and finds vital clues which Loerie had overlooked. Now a daring plan is needed to trap the suspects and bring them before Spotted Eagle Owl's Court, where Leon springs his final surprise..  

Janet Hurst-Nicholson draws on the habits and characteristics of the small creatures living in Pigeon Valley, Durban, to create a thrilling detective story. Barbara McGuire's illustrations capture the story's humour, while portraying the animals as they really are.