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Down in the Dumps #1: The Mystery Box

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( 38 ratings, 13 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Down in the Dumps #1: The Mystery Box by Wes Hargis is an engaging and educational story about a group of creative children who stumble upon a mysterious box in their neighbourhood. Throughout the narrative, they use their curiosity and problem-solving skills to unravel its secrets, making it an inspiring journey that emphasises teamwork and the power of imagination. Perfect for young readers, this book is a delightful blend of adventure and learning.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you enjoy uncovering secrets and solving puzzles, you'll likely find this book engaging. It's perfect for readers who appreciate a blend of education and mystery, making learning entertaining and thought-provoking.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Secret Life of Pets meets The Bad Guys in DOWN IN THE DUMPS, an all-new, highly illustrated early chapter book series about three unlikely friends—a rotten banana, a broken tea pot, and a crusty blob of gum—and their adventures together in the local town landfill.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Secret Life of Pets meets The Bad Guys in Down in the Dumps, an all-new, highly illustrated early chapter book series about three unlikely friends—a rotten banana, a broken teapot, and a crusty blob of gum—and their adventures together in the local town landfill.

To Nana, there isn’t a better, more beautiful home for a mushy, mouldy banana than the Westerfield Waste Transfer & Recycling Centre! Nana loves living at the dump! She welcomes every new piece of trash with a hearty hug and happy hello.

And in The Mystery Box, the first adventure in the Down in the Dumps series, when a Teddy Tedd Ted doll, still perfectly wrapped in his gift box, arrives, Nana realises that not everyone is ready to be thrown away. Will Nana and her friends be able to navigate the many dangers of the dump to help Teddy Tedd Ted find his way home?

The Mystery Box is the first book in the Down in the Dumps series from beloved author-illustrator Wes Hargis. It will have even the most reluctant readers taking out the trash for more adventures!

HarperChapters build confident readers one chapter at a time! With short, fast-paced books, art on every page, and milestone markers at the end of every chapter, they're the perfect next step for fans of I Can Read!

Series: Down in the Dumps

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  • Down in the Dumps #3: A Very Trashy Christmas
    The Secret Life of Pets meets The Bad Guys in Down in the Dumps, an all-new, highly illustrated early chapter book series about three unlikely friends—a rotten banana, a broken teapot, and a crusty blob of gunk—and their adventures together in the local town landfill. Nana has never heard about Christmas until the old toys of the Westerfield Waste Transfer...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Down in the Dumps #1: The Mystery Box
    The Secret Life of Pets meets The Bad Guys in Down in the Dumps, an all-new, highly illustrated early chapter book series about three unlikely friends—a rotten banana, a broken teapot, and a crusty blob of gum—and their adventures together in the local town landfill. To Nana, there isn’t a better, more beautiful home for a mushy, mouldy banana than...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Down in the Dumps #2: Trash vs. Trucks
    The Secret Life of Pets meets The Bad Guys in Down in the Dumps, an all-new, highly illustrated early chapter book series about three unlikely friends—a rotten banana, a broken tea pot, and a crusty blob of gum—and their adventures together in the local town landfill. Oh, no! In Trash vs. Trucks, the second book in the Down in the...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Down in the Dumps #1: The Mystery Box by Wes Hargis is an early chapter book filled with gross-out humour that captivates young readers through a multi-layered narrative approach. It combines straightforward prose, engaging dialogue bubbles, and visual elements that encourage interaction and prediction. The characters, despite their oddness, are charming and the lively artwork maintains a brisk pace. While one character's story ends outside the dump, the narrative entices readers to anticipate further quirky adventures.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780062910127

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 October 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: HarperCollins

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Wes Hargis

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 6.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 194.0mm

Weight: 120g

Pages: 96

About the Author

Wes Hargis wanted to be a professional dirt miner when he grew up. Unstable market prices for dirt led him to pursue his second love, and he has been an illustrator for more than twenty years. Mr. Hargis lives with his family (and his dirt) in Arizona.

Also by Wes Hargis

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  • Down in the Dumps #3: A Very Trashy Christmas
    The Secret Life of Pets meets The Bad Guys in Down in the Dumps, an all-new, highly illustrated early chapter book series about three unlikely friends—a rotten banana, a broken teapot, and a crusty blob of gunk—and their adventures together in the local town landfill. Nana has never heard about Christmas until the old toys of the Westerfield Waste Transfer...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Down in the Dumps #2: Trash vs. Trucks
    The Secret Life of Pets meets The Bad Guys in Down in the Dumps, an all-new, highly illustrated early chapter book series about three unlikely friends—a rotten banana, a broken tea pot, and a crusty blob of gum—and their adventures together in the local town landfill. Oh, no! In Trash vs. Trucks, the second book in the Down in the...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

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