Smart writing, laugh out loud jokes, double entendres, puns, and similes that are an English teacher's dream are just a few attributes of this wonderfully funny, easy to read book. The characters are all animals. Chet Gecko is the "best lizard detective" at Emerson Hicky Elementary and by his own admission he would rather work out the angles of a mystery than work out at the gym. His main partner in solving crime is a mockingbird named Natalie Attired. Middle school students will have no problem understanding this story about three missing football players. As Chet and Natalie are discussing the "case" and eating earth worm casserole and Lice Krispie treats, Natalie asks Chet, "What's made of plastic and hangs around French cathedrals?" Chet braces himself for the answer, "The lunchpack of Notre Dame." A very enjoyable read. ( )