K-Gr 2–A mysterious man has moved to the first floor of an apartment building. “Is he a thief or a master supervillain?” wonders a young Black girl who spends her days looking through a window. She loves to observe people across the floors and those walking on the street. This new tenant, who appears to write constantly, unknowingly triggers her detective skills. Although her dad calls out her indiscretion, the girl’s investigative curiosity elevates her desire to explain and resolve. Nicolau illustrates neighborhood scenes that creatively showcase the lively activities of the many characters walking by or living near the main character. Translated from Portuguese, the Spanish-language narrative sometimes reads awkwardly. The text will be most enjoyed by those who are very proficient and comfortable reading in Spanish because of its complex phrasing. The full-spread, monochromatic orange art wonderfully depicts the busy people in this story, providing an excellent experience for those who enjoy detail-oriented illustrations. Readers learn why the girl spends so much time by the window at the end of the story.
VERDICT A charming detective picture book for curious children who enjoy decoding visual clues.
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