Book Description
for A Mystery in Pocketville by Sylvie Kantorovitz
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
In this inviting installment of a graphic novel series, friends Monti (a mole) and Leo (a lizard) are excited to see a new display at the Pocketville Public Library: Mrs. Sheep’s personal collection of animal figurines. Monti wants to be a collector, too, like the librarian, who collects things people forget in library books; or like Leo, who collects rocks. In fact, everyone but Monti seems to collect something! Monti is particularly enamored with a small bird in Mrs. Sheep’s collection, which he returns to admire again the next day. When the figurine disappears, the town is in a tizzy, and Monti quickly becomes a suspect. Despite Monti’s protestations, Mrs. Sheep is convinced that he is guilty. Seeing his friend depressed and overwhelmed by the accusations, Leo is determined to find out what really happened. “Could Mrs. Sheep be right? … Wait! NO! Mrs. Sheep’s words made their way into my mind. … I need to find my own thoughts!” Leo’s commitment to uncovering the truth leads to the clearing of Monti’s name. A conversation with friends over cookies and milk provides emotional healing for Monti—and gives him an idea for a collection. Simple linework and clean, separate panels make for a smooth reading experience, while the story offers gentle guidance in making amends and supporting a friend.
CCBC Choices 2026. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison, 2026. Used with permission.

