The 13th Clue

Jonas ( Round Trip ) provides several unusual twists and turns in this visually engaging mystery, once again displaying her penchant for unorthodox formats. An ignored birthday girl's disappointed diary entry is interrupted--``That's funny. The light just went on!''--setting into motion a string of clues that require the reader to spin the book into a variety of positions. Inanimate objects (extension cords, mown grass, garments on a clothesline) form letters and words when viewed from a particular angle. No characters appear in this virtually textless book until its surprise ending; but the protagonist's shadow falling across each spread reveals the proper perspective from which to view the clues. Scrambled letters, mirror writing and rebus add to the sleuthing fun. Jonas's large-scale, full-toned watercolors function as both word and image, cleverly couching hints amid the scenery. In this mystery-adventure, the hunt is more enjoyable than the (somewhat predictable) treasure. Ages 4-up. (Oct.)