The Mystery of the Missing Lion

Gr 2–5—When Precious Ramotswe visits her Aunty Bee at a safari camp a day's journey from her home in Botswana, she is excited to find a film crew about to shoot a movie. Precious and her new friend Khumo meet the star of the film, a tame lion named Teddy. The filming goes well until one evening, Teddy disappears. As a detective in training, Precious is up to the challenge of finding the lion, even if it means braving elephants, crocodiles, and angry hippos. But when she and Khumo succeed in locating Teddy, Precious wonders if bringing him back is really the right thing to do. In this newest addition to the series, McCall Smith once again offers an exciting mystery that is paced just right for young readers. Precious is portrayed as an observant, resourceful girl who finds clever ways to solve everyday problems. Throughout the story, children will learn about life in Botswana as experienced by Precious and her friends. Adjoa Andoh's narration enhances the setting with culturally authentic voices for the characters.