Who Took Henry and Mr. Z?

Deborah Dowson is a children’s librarian in Pickering, Ontario.

Henry and Mr. Z are pet guinea pigs that belong to Mrs. Whitestar’s
Grade 5 class. Their mysterious disappearance prompts Caroline and
Winston to conduct an investigation. Through a combination of courage,
luck, and clever thinking, the pair succeed in solving the mystery and
restoring the pets to their place in the classroom. The children learn
that situations and people are not always what they appear to be.

Dave Glaze demonstrates a deep understanding of school-age children and
the school scene. His writing is clear, age appropriate, well paced,
nicely detailed, and completely authentic. The use of shifting scenes to
show what the “intruder” is doing and what the captive guinea pigs
are doing adds intrigue and involves the reader in the search for clues.
Glaze has a marvelous ability to create a character type with a few
carefully chosen mannerisms, such as the pompous vice-principal’s
habit of yanking his tie from side to side. Highly recommended.