If your children are the type of learners who do well learning about geography and historical facts when they are set in the context of a story, then they will benefit from reading this book. Young genius Agatha, and her aspiring super detective cousin Dash venture to India to meet Agatha’s uncle Raymond, a wildlife photographer, and to crack the case of a priceless pearl that has disappeared.
Review
This book is very entertaining and educational. My 9 year old daughter and I read this book and enjoyed getting to know the characters as we followed along and tried to figure out the mystery. I am so pleased that this book is actually part of a series. Each book in the series takes place in an interesting geographic location. Then something I like to call sponge learning happens. Kids begin to absorb, the geography of India in this case, without even realizing it because they are captivated by the story.
I definitely recommend this book and think it goes along perfectly with the Mommy Maleta India series to reinforce all we’ve been learning about India. Children ages 8-11 should be able to read this book on their own without any trouble. Kids younger than that will enjoy the story too, but may need a parent to help as they read. Those older than 11 may find that they are “too mature” for this book. I am just barely still in my 30’s however, and I enjoyed it, so if you check this out of library and leave it sitting out at your coffee table at home, you may just find your 12 or 13 year old reading it “just to see if it’s ok for their younger sibling.”
Rating System
I will be using a passport stamp rating system for my book reviews with a range of 1-5 stamps. A 1 stamp rating represents books I don’t think you should bother reading, while a 5 stamp rating is screaming out, GO READ THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW! That being said, I honestly don’t think there will be any 1 or 2 stamp books presented because my goal is to select helpful, 3-5 stamp quality books.
Now that we all understand the rating system, I am very pleased to announce that I give the Pearl of Bengal by Sir Steve Stevenson 5 stamps!
I found this book at my local library and hope you can too. If you choose to purchase this book, you can click and purchase the book using the Amazon link below. It is an affiliate link that helps support Mommy Maleta at no additional cost to you.
[…] Laura of MOMMYMALETA reviews The Pearl of Bengal, a mystery book with Indian geography and history as the backdrop. Storytelling is such a natural […]