On the Trail of the Diamond Thief

“On the Trail of the Diamond Thief,” made for kids ages 7 to 10, turns your house or backyard into the scene of a daring heist. A precious diamond has vanished from a display case overnight, and five clues spread through the surroundings, such as a forgotten glove, a muddy footprint, and a scrap of cloth caught on a hedge, lead the kids from one spot to the next until they reach the thief’s hiding place. Each stop teaches kids a real piece of detective work: comparing a print, following a direction, linking two clues together. It is a clue trail made for moving, observing, and working things out while you walk, without ever going in circles: every clue points clearly to the next one. The book includes the clue cards, a portrait of the suspect, an investigation journal to fill in, and a guide for the grown-up who goes along with the group. It is perfect for a birthday party, a rainy afternoon, or an outing to the park, ending with a final discovery that rewards the whole team of detectives. Five clues set the pace of the case, each one adding a detail about the thief, so the final discovery really makes sense instead of being a lucky guess. The guide also offers options for different places and a shorter version for the youngest players.