School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-Nate the Great returns in yet another installment of this beginning chapter-book series. This time his faithful sidekick, Sludge, is the big mystery-when the young detective comes out of the department store, his dog isn't waiting where he should be, and he's either missing or lost. Sludge ends up going to the one place that Nate loves, the cafeteria, and there they have their happy reunion. Weston's watercolor illustrations show the youngster's worry and determination, and lend humor to the story. Fans of this series will definitely enjoy the continuing adventures of Nate, Sludge, and their friends.-Christina F. Renaud, Attleboro Public Library, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Nate returns for another successful and funny mystery. This time he has to find his own dog, Sludge, who is lost in a large department store. Like the other books in the series, the story is satisfying, if a bit far-fetched, and the format and expressive illustrations are helpful to the new reader. From HORN BOOK Spring 2002, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Beginning Readers' favorite young pancake-eating detective is back with his latest case. Nate and his dog Sludge are a wonderful team-Nate depends on Sludge to help solve mysteries. But Nate is on his own this time, because Sludge is the case. When his trusty dog gets lost in the department store, Nate has to put the clues together by himself and try to think like a dog. With his friends Annie, Fang, and Rosamond telling him about the latest sightings of Sludge, Nate starts out on a search through the store. But each clue is a dead end . . . until Nate realizes he has to stop thinking like a dog, and start thinking like Sludge-the best detective dog in the business. Nate, Sludge, and all their friends have been delighting beginning readers for years. The familiar characters, basic plot, and illustrated pages of these simple chapter books build confidence in children who are just starting to read and who look forward to a new mystery. (Easy reader. 6-9)
Booklist Review
Gr. 1-2. When Nate the Great enters a department store to shop, he leaves his dog, Sludge, outside and returns to find him gone. Friends and store employees offer their observations, but with his partner lost, Nate finds it hard to think. He's even too distressed to eat his traditional pancake snack for inspiration. The great boy detective eventually uses his head to find his pal, though Nate is left wondering whether Sludge (the great dog detective) actually found him. Weston's colorful illustrations "in the style of Marc Simont" capture the look of the wonderful Simont artwork from earlier volumes, as they put familiar characters into fresh situations. Another satisfying entry in a consistently entertaining series. --Carolyn PhelanReference Books BulletinReviews
