Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters

Loose on the streets of San Francisco, a scrappy stray mutt with a “ruff”-and-tumble vernacular winningly narrates this snazzy mystery caper by Van Draanen (The Peach Rebellion). Canine Mr. Whiskers—so-named by 10-year-old Misty Nanigan and her sister Zelda, who seek him out every now and then to slip him treats on the sly—smells “trrrouble” when a fishy-looking stranger claiming to be an FBI agent arrives at the Merryweather boarding house looking for Misty and Zelda’s archaeology professor father. After “Fishy” uses zip ties to kidnap Professor Nanigan and usher him into a waiting Prius, Mr. Whiskers gives chase, gathering valuable clues that he then brings back to the worried siblings. As girls and pooch embark on their investigation, Misty and Zelda grow closer to their savvy, loyal pet, who’s eager to take a bite out of crime. Using brief cliffhanger chapters, brisk pacing, and humor-infused prose, Van Draanen sustains suspense as the sisters navigate clue-filled riddles and secret passageways, uncover long-lost treasure, and outwit a nasty trio of thieves. Catalán captures key dramatic and heartwarming scenes featuring both people, most of whom default to white, and pup via cozy b&w illustrations. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)