PBParty Entry #28 : Sherlock Bones and the Case of the Missing Toes

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GENRE: *Character Driven, Humor, Holiday

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WORDS: 504

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Query:

Dear PBParty Judges, Agents, and Editors,

Sherlock Bones, skeleton detective, can crack any crime, but can he solve his own toe-curling mystery? When his tootsies go missing, Sherlock and his trusty Howl-O-Weenie, Watson, must comb for clues to catch their culprit. It isn’t Ghost, Witch, or Mummy, so who could it be? Sherlock questions his detective skills when he can’t land any leads… until he retraces his steps and discovers the answer in this who-done-it-mystery.

In a fresh approach to a Halloween picture book, SHERLOCK BONES AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING TOES comes in at 504 words and is perfect for 5-9 year olds. This humerus, er, humorous detective tale is a mash up of the crime-solving theme seen in POO-DUNIT? coupled with the wacky word play found in HORNSWOGGLED.

I am an active member of SCBWI, 12×12 picture book writing challenge, and Rate Your Story. In addition, I participated in Kara Valenti’s Master Course for Picture Book Writing and Editing. I work as a physical therapist and Sherlock Bones and his missing toes were born out of a conversation with one of my patients. We were discussing the human body’s intricate system and how one body part affects another; even if they don’t seem like they could be related, they’re connected — “head shoulders knees and toes.”

Thank you for taking the time to consider my work. I have additional manuscripts available upon request.

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Excerpt:

Sherlock Bones could crack any crime. Icky or gross, spine-chilling, or spooky, he solved them all.
When he woke up on Halloween and discovered…
“Head, shoulders, knees and —
Where’s my toes?”
…He knew he’d caught his next case.
He checked the toybox. The toaster. Even the fish tank!
They were definitely missing.
“Come Watson, we must solve this mystery!”
He combed for clues. He searched for suspects.
[finds clue]
“Bingo!”

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What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:

Sherlock Bones and his missing toes were born out of a conversation with one of my physical therapy patients. We were discussing the human body’s intricate system and how one body part affects another; even if they don’t seem like they could be related, they’re connected — “head shoulders knees and toes.”