Back to our little book club of 2 and the reviews we come up with together.

We have made it to book 7 of the Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner: The Woodshed Mystery. I have to say from a strictly entertainment value review, this is the best book of the series. There are multiple mysteries, interesting new characters and some background/history on the beloved Aunt Jane unearthed.

I also found it interesting that the author had the children grow up some as well… they have progressed in age and grade and even attitudes. It is even more apparent in this book that we are required to read the previous books in order to truly understand who is involved.

I love how dated these are. There are no cellphones, no internet… the mysteries are solved by hard work, talking to the neighbours and coming to careful conclusions. It was a wonderful read and fun to share with my fellow book club member.

And now for Gavin’s impressions beware of potential spoilers!

I loved the mystery in this one because it was very interesting. They solved 3 or 4 mysteries this time! They have meet a lot of friends in these books and some that they thought were dead! I think the dog should be in everything more. I think this is the best bet yet in the series. It is a good story to read to children and homeschooling kids would like it. I want to read the whole series, maybe. There are a lot of books!

And there you have it, another Boxcar Children book borrowed from the library and thoroughly enjoyed! Again, be forewarned, READ THEM IN ORDER! That is the only way to be in the know when past events are recalled or people. A light afternoon read for myself or an intriguing mystery for Gavin, we both truly enjoyed this story.

And then there were two readers… for this second installment just Gavin and I read the book. This time a digital read again we took turns and I think I can safely say BOTH found enjoyment in the tale.

Surprise Island by Gertrude Chandler Warner brings us to an all new summer adventure for the 4 boxcar children. This time one that their gentle grandfather has planned out for them on an island his family owns. Again you have the 4 children off on their own for an extended period of time. This time, however, with much more supervision and provisions.

As with the other book in this series there is a mystery person in the form of an island handyman. There are some minor incidents of course but nothing hugely life endangering. Just moments of excitement!

I do love how this series has the children working on their own, creating and imagining with what they have. Definitely a series I will continue to suggest the kids read. You can read the first book review HERE.

But first, Gavin’s review:

It is a good story. It did not feel very long to me. I think 10 year old or old would enjoy reading it. Little kids would enjoy this if someone read it to them. I want to read more in the series. I like Watch the dog best because he does funny stuff. It was a funny book. There are lots of chapters.