Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, clever dog-next-door mystery good for early readers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
After all the adventures described in The Trouble With Chickens (the first book in this mystery series), retired search-and-rescue dog J.J. Tully is ready for some peace and quiet in the barnyard. But between the fact that a possum is determined to break into the henhouse, and the fact that the hen Moosh and the chicks are spending all their time with Lillian, a mysterious white dog next door, and acting quite strange, peace and quiet don't seem to be on the agenda.
Is It Any Good?
Between the plot complications, the wacky characters, and the wisecracks on the side that are clearly directed at the adult bystanders, not all kids are going to have the patience for this one. But for those who do, there are plenty of rewards, especially if they like characters with names like Vince the Funnel (a dachshund who seems eternally cursed with one of those veterinary lampshades) and frequent surprises. Not to mention interesting lessons about search-and-rescue operations, dog shows, and finding common ground in unexpected circumstances.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about search-and-rescue dogs and the work they do. Do you know about natural disasters in your area that dogs are specially trained for?
When did you start to think that maybe Lillian wasn't telling the whole story? What did you think might be going on instead?
How do you think Lillian got such a wrong impression from what she overheard her owner saying? Do you think she did the right thing, considering what she believed?
If you read The Trouble with Chickens, the first book in this mystery series, how do you think The Legend of Diamond Lil compares? Do you like it as much?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Kevin Cornell
- Genre : Animals
- Topics : Animals
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : February 28, 2012
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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