The Case of the Burgled Bundle

by Michael Hutchinson

Overview

The National Assembly of Cree Peoples has gathered together in the Windy Lake First Nation, home to the Mighty Muskrats—cousins Chickadee, Atim, Otter, and Sam. But when the treaty bundle, the center of a four-day-long ceremony, is taken, the four mystery-solving cousins set out to catch those responsible and help protect Windy Lake’s reputation!

What’s worse, prime suspect Pearl takes off to the city with her older brother and known troublemaker, Eddie. If they have the burgled bundle with them, the Mighty Muskrats fear it may be lost for good. With clues pointing in too many different directions, the cousins need to find and return the missing bundle before the assembly comes to an end. The history and knowledge passed down to each generation through the bundle is at stake.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781772601664
Publisher:	Second Story Press
Publication date:	04/06/2021
Series:	A Mighty Muskrats Mystery , #3
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	1,133,078
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.32(d)
Lexile:	720L (what's this?)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Michael Hutchinson is Swampy Cree from the Treaty 5 area and a member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation. He wrote the Mighty Muskrats Mystery series to educate young Canadians, build pride in First Nation and impoverished youth, and create a better Canadian and First Nations relationship.

Editorial Reviews

"Hutchinson not only gives readers with an intriguing whodunnit, but provides rich detail and information of the Cree nation."

Dr. Larry Recommends - Larry Swartz

"The four crime-solving friends of fictional Windy Lake First Nation go into action when the treaty bundle goes missing during the National Assembly of Cree Peoples. An engaging, quickly paced mystery, exceptional in its portrayal of the kids’ rez humour, community relationships and traditions of teaching and learning. Bundle up all three 'Mighty Muskrats Mysteries' for a perfect gift for young mystery fans."

Toronto Star - Deb Dundas

"This book is both educational and entertaining; Hutchinson (Misipawistik Cree) weaves cultural and historical context into the story."

From the Publisher

Hutchinson neatly mixes the feel of classic children’s mysteries such as The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew with his compellingly contemporary portrait of the Mighty Muskrats, four Indigenous cousins named Chickadee, Atim, Otter and Sam.

The Globe & Mail - Jeffrey Canton

One learns a great deal about many aspects of fundamental Cree spirituality, traditional governance, and family values through the contents of The Case of the Burgled Bundle, and so it is very satisfying that the solution to the mystery, which is the driving force of the book, is tied in to these values.

CM: Canadian Review of Materials - Mary Thomas

With realistic dialogue, lots of rez humour and plenty of intrigue, Hutchinson tells a good story that also instructs us on the history of the treaties and the importance of ceremony.

Winnipeg Free Press - Helen Norrie

"This is an entertaining and educational story... an asset to any library."

Anishinabek News - Carrie MacKenzie

With realistic dialogue, lots of rez humour and plenty of intrigue, Hutchinson tells a good story that also instructs us on the history of the treaties and the importance of ceremony

Winnipeg Free Press

04/01/2021

Gr 3–7—The Mighty Muskrats are back, this time investigating a mystery at the National Assembly of Cree Peoples. The Treaty 12 bundle, a sacred object passed down through generations and containing the tribe's history, goes missing one night, disappearing from a guarded tent. The Muskrats know how much is at stake if it goes missing: The bundle is the center of a sacred, four-day storytelling ceremony. But their prime suspects are leaving town. Will the Muskrats find the bundle in time for the ceremony? It's refreshing to read a book steeped in First Nations culture and tradition, with this particular story focusing on the importance of ceremony. The protagonists are scrappy and resourceful, eager to learn about their history and respect their elders. This book will likely appeal more to children interested in history and First Nations culture; while the mystery is high stakes and has a satisfying twist ending, the crime does not occur until the seventh chapter. Readers will also benefit from starting with the first book, so as to have to a stronger introduction to the characters. VERDICT A much-needed #OwnVoices story centered on First Nations characters and culture, but may have a harder time pulling in readers seeking a fast-paced mystery.—Kristin Brynsvold, Tuckahoe Elem. Sch., Arlington, VA

School Library Journal

2021-01-26
When the memory bundle goes missing, four mystery-solving cousins from the Windy Lake Cree First Nation in Canada are on the case.

The Mighty Muskrats are cousins Otter, Atim, Chickadee, and Sam, who live in the fictional Treaty #12 area. During the National Assembly of Cree Peoples, which is being held at Windy Lake, the memory bundle holding the Nation’s treaty with the Crown is stolen. Fortunately the Muskrats are ready to investigate in this, their third, outing. At events such as this one, the bundle is opened, stories are told, and the contents are shared by the Bundle Holder, which means there is no shortage of suspects: Practically everyone, from Windy Lake’s bully, Pearl, to Casey, a boy visiting from Butterfly Narrows, is considered a suspect. This book is both educational and entertaining; Hutchinson (Misipawistik Cree) weaves cultural and historical context into the story, age-appropriately discussing a wide range of topics, including the impact of colonialism, why various First Nations have different histories with Europeans and Canadians, and the significance of ceremonies. All of this is presented through the eyes of our eager detectives, the Mighty Muskrats. The unfolding of the mystery allows readers to use their deductive reasoning skills to try to figure out who the thief is, as the Muskrats share and discuss information with one another.

Mystery and humor keep readers engaged. (author’s note) (Mystery. 9-12)

Kirkus Reviews