Max Archer, Kid Detective

Gr 2—3—In this chapter book, eight-year-old Billy seeks help from Max, who assures him that he is not the only one with a bed-wetting problem. The kid detective explains where urine comes from and how the body gets rid of it. Billy is put on "Poop Patrol" to monitor his bowel movements, which can affect how his bladder reacts, and on the Stream Team to monitor his urine flow during the day and to practice getting up to go at night. He is expected to make a nighttime record of how often and how much he wets the bed ("dry night," "small wet," "large wet"). Max explains that over time he will be successful. End pages include a "Word Search" ("Find food words that will make poops soft!"), information on "How to Become a Super Duper Pooper," and a Q&A for parents. The comical illustrations are done with computer graphics in mostly teal and orange tones. This is a useful resource, but most kids would be too embarrassed to check it out. It would be best kept in counselors' or parenting collections.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX