Deborah Zemke Archives -

Graphic Novel Chapter Book Review – Trial and Error

July 7, 2026
goodreadswithronna
Ages 7 and up, Careers & Jobs, Children's Book Reviews, Comics and Graphic Novels, Graphic Novel, Humorous Stories, Juvenile Fiction, Law & Crime

TRIAL AND ERROR

Written by Robin Newman

Illustrated by Deborah Zemke

(Creston Books; $18.99, Ages 7-11)

HONORS:

A 2026 Bank Street College of Education Best Book

Northern Lights Book Award

IPPY Bronze Medal

REVIEW:

In her much-lauded new series, Robin Newman has made law and order accessible and enjoyable for second- to fifth-graders. Trial and Error, a punny 64-page graphic novel chapter book, features four animal-populated cases, each a new chapter. The whimsical black-and-white illustrations by Deborah Zemke, who has teamed up with Newman on four previous books, are winners as well. Just check out the book’s cover if you want to get a sense of the humor that’s infused on every page.

Readers are introduced to Sawyer, an ant known as the “Critter Lawyer,” who, from an early age, had a penchant for following rules. Inspired by a bookworm’s advice, Sawyer became a lawyer. Think Lincoln Lawyer as an insect. But in order for this attorney’s career to take off, Sawyer needed clients.

Trial and Error int1 Squirrels 1. — Interior spreads from Trial and Error, written by Robin Newman and illustrated by Deborah Zemke, Creston Books ©2025.

As someone who cares about fairness, I found that Trial and Error resonated with me. Newman does a wonderful job of showing that “rules exist for a reason” through cleverly conceived cases that illustrate what a lawyer does, and the types of cases they handle. That includes taking a case to trial before a judge and working with clients to mediate and negotiate a settlement. Case #1 involves an alleged speeding snail, and readers’ first introduction to Officer Opossum and Judge Wise Owl; Case #2 involves two squabbling squirrels (with a surprise twist); Case #3 involves a hogging hog unhappy about his neatness-obsessed sty-mate who happens to be his twin brother; and Case #4, The Jaywalking Chicken, brings back Officer Opossum. Adding to the pleasure of reading Trial and Error is witnessing the triumphs of savvy Sawyer, whose services are sure to be in demand down the road.

Trial and Error int2 Squirrels 2 — Interior spreads from Trial and Error, written by Robin Newman and illustrated by Deborah Zemke, Creston Books ©2025.

It’s great how varied each case is and how each one touches on different aspects of the law. Newman uses legal terminology sparingly throughout the book, and when she does, it is easy to understand from context (e.g., docket, ordinance, testimony). She then breaks it down in a glossary called Legal Notes. The backmatter also contains an In Brief section explaining the role of a lawyer and how laws and rules have been created “to help people live safely together in communities.” She even applies this to home life and school.

I’m happy that Trial and Error is the first in a new graphic chapter book series, and I look forward to seeing Sawyer return with more critter cases to resolve.

Click here for a helpful curriculum guide.

Click here for a word search.

Watch a video here.

The Case of the Poached Egg: A Wilcox & Griswold Mystery by Robin Newman

THE CASE OF THE POACHED EGG:
A WILCOX & GRISWOLD MYSTERY
Written by Robin Newman
Illustrated by Deborah Zemke
(Creston Books; $15.95, Ages 4-8)

You’re eggspecting me to make yolks about this book, right? So here goes!

Eggceptionally funny, Robin Newman’s second Wilcox & Griswold mystery called The Case of the Poached Egg, will completely satisfy fans who’ve been hungry for a new installment following the duo’s Kirkus-starred first caper, The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake.

The trench coat garbed Captain Griswold and the narrator Detective Wilcox are mice on the move. MFIs (Missing Food Inspectors) have to be. It’s an animals steal food kind of world. Always seeking justice for the over 100 creatures on Farmer Ed’s Farm, this pair will stop at nothing to crack a case. So, after taking an urgent call from Henrietta Hen upset over the apparent egg-napping of her “precious Penny,” Wilcox summons his superior to accompany him to the crime scene.

This 48-paged early chapter book not only breaks down the tale into six easily readable chapters, it also cleverly divides actions/events into time and place. For example, Wilcox and Griswold begin their investigation at 10:30am, at the Chicken Coop. There they not only encounter a distraught Henrietta, but an unusually written ransom note too. The game is afoot! I mean an egg! I mean, read on!

The determined MFIs uncover a motive and eventually a culprit, just in the nick of time, using the process of elimination, mounting clues such as a bunch of farm animals oversleeping, a red goose herring (!), thorough questioning of witnesses and possible suspects, and hand writing analysis. All this, which takes place against the backdrop of Farmer Ed’s Big Speggtacular, plus, the cast of colorful characters caught up in the shenanigans including Gabby Goose, Colonel Peck, Miss Rabbit and Porcini Pig makes for amusing dialogue as readers try to solve the mystery along with Wilcox and Griswold. And though, as an adult, I solved the case early on, kids will eat up the chance to play detective and read between the lines, something the format of this clever police procedural actively encourages.

I’m always pulled into a story when there’s a map included, and illustrator Zemke’s created a super one. Her expressive illustrations work wonderfully to add action and emotion to this humorous and accessible story, while also making the thought of reading a chapter book not as daunting for the younger crowd! NOTE: Parents who may read this book aloud should not miss the legal disclaimer on the front endpapers or the author’s note beginning with “No eggs, chickens, geese or roosters were harmed …” I’m ready for another serving of Wilcox & Griswold, yes, ready indeed!

Reviewed by Ronna Mandel

Splash!

July 8, 2013
goodreadswithronna
Ages 3-6, Children's Book Reviews, Juvenile Fiction

Last week Debbie Glade reviewed a terrific counting book about primates, so she thought it perfectly fitting to review a very different (but equally as fantastic) counting book this week.

I love it when my dog pulls me toward a puddle so he can splash through it like a toddler. What little kid doesn’t love a puddle? There’s just something so wholesome about it, don’t you think? The Deep, Deep Puddle ($16.99, Dial Books, Ages 3-6) by author and former teacher, Mary Jessie Parker, will enchant even the youngest of readers and set imaginations soaring (or swimming!).

One day, in a big city, it starts to rain and a small puddle forms. It rains and rains and rains and the puddle grows as do the number of items and creatures who fall into it. From taxis and street vendors to cats and dogs, everything seems to disappear in the ever growing puddle, counting from one to twelve things. Then something amazing happens to make the puddle shrink more and more and more. And the counting goes backwards from twelve to one.

What I love about The Deep, Deep Puddle is that it is so absurd, albeit ultra creative, making it a wild adventure to read as the cover clearly shows. The words have unique sounds, so fitting for a young child’s book, and the vibrant illustrations by Deborah Zemke couldn’t be better. I enjoyed studying each picture for a while, and their adorableness made me smile.