I have seen these books in antique stores for years, but really knew nothing about them. Until my blog entry on the Statemeyer Syndicate and an e-mail from one of the descendents of the author.

If I had first discovered these books as a kid, they would have been 4 or 5 stars. They're funny, with just enough page-turning adventure. The kids are smart and given the freedom and opportunity to do a few things on their own. The charactesr are all genuinely likable, except for Joey Brill. What is up with that kid?

There are some wonderful scenes--an animal parade! Balloons from the church steeple! And a great old house, complete with secret passageways.

As an adult, the writing doesn't flow as easily as some other middle grade books. But there's just enough period details to give these books their place in the 1950s. And plenty of charm for me to pass these on to little ones that like old-fashioned books.