Guided Reading Level the Legend of Diamond Lil

• Home
• My Books

Open Preview

See a Problem?

We'd dear your assist. Let us know what's wrong with this preview of The Legend of Diamond Lil by Doreen Cronin.

Cheers for telling u.s.a. about the problem.

Friend Reviews

To run across what your friends thought of this book, delight sign up.

Community Reviews

 · 764 ratings  · 100 reviews

Start your review of The Fable of Diamond Lil (J.J. Tully Mystery #2)

This volume deserves to be five star rating considering it is fantastic. The words used in the book are unique. The book is remarkable considering J.J. a retired search and rescue domestic dog is assigned to guard chickens. When a possum shows up, he fears for their lives but trusts his instincts. When the beautiful Samoyed canis familiaris, Diamond Lil, offers to partner with him to assist protect the chicks, it isn't clear if J.J. needs assist or he just likes the good-looking dog. Since this volume is a series, I will proceed readi This book deserves to exist 5 star rating considering it is fantastic. The words used in the book are unique. The book is remarkable because J.J. a retired search and rescue dog is assigned to guard chickens. When a possum shows up, he fears for their lives just trusts his instincts. When the beautiful Samoyed dog, Diamond Lil, offers to partner with him to help protect the chicks, it isn't clear if J.J. needs help or he only likes the skilful-looking dog. Since this volume is a series, I will keep reading information technology because I want to see the adventures of J.J. and the chicks throughout their lives. I would recommend this book to people who are fauna lovers because this volume is hilariously fun.
...more

Apr 06, 2012 Mike rated it it was astonishing

J.J. Tully is back for another hard-boiled adventure maintaining police and gild in the seedy world of the chicken coop. I enjoyed this book only every bit much equally The Trouble With Chickens; the start book in the series had a somewhat ameliorate (if nevertheless light-weight) plot, and also had the reward of taking me by surprise. This book had to alive up to my higher expectations, just largely did, nailing the atmosphere just besides every bit, if non meliorate than, the starting time book. I was concerned when I saw that Vince t J.J. Tully is back for another hard-boiled adventure maintaining constabulary and society in the seedy earth of the chicken coop. I enjoyed this book merely as much equally The Trouble With Chickens; the first volume in the series had a somewhat ameliorate (if nonetheless lite-weight) plot, and too had the advantage of taking me by surprise. This book had to live up to my higher expectations, but largely did, nailing the atmosphere merely likewise equally, if not amend than, the first book. I was concerned when I saw that Vince the Funnel was back, I feared that his role might feel forced, merely Cronin pulled it off perfectly, and the human relationship betwixt J.J. and Vince the Funnel as a street-wise informant was quite perchance my favorite part of this book. And the wordplay and pastiche of noir writing was once again well washed. I dear this serial, and I desperately hope it continues.

Oh, since it'southward written for kids, plainly, I'll adventure a estimate every bit to how they'll like it. I recollect this book is probably a little more accessible for the age level than The Trouble With Chickens, thanks to its direct-forward narrative structure (the first book switches between J.J.'s narration and that of Vince the Funnel), simply I remember the whole series is perfect for older kids. Some might be turned off by the artwork, which seems at commencement glance to skew to a younger audience (though I found it delightful, myself), but it sucks for them if they are. This quality stuff is wasted on the young, I say.

This book isn't quite as quotable equally the first, just I'll close with a few favorites:
"'How did you get the rabbit pee?' I asked Sugar. 'There'due south only one style,' she answered."
[J.J., notwithstanding wondering almost why the chicks were given a blindfold past their new friend]: "Moosh is one smart chicken. Even if Carbohydrate didn't have the sense to know that new friend and blindfold should never bear witness up in the same sentence, her female parent should have."
"I didn't turn around. If you've never heard the sound of a tiny chicken's disappointed footsteps crunching through a thousand freshly fallen leaves scattered across a country yard while the light of the morning sun creeps its way across the sky--well, I hope you never do, pal."

And that'south simply breaking the surface. I really dear this series.

...more

J.J. is a retired search and rescue dog who guards chickens. When a possum shows upwards, he fears for their lives merely trusts his instincts. When the beautiful Samoyed dog, Diamond Lil, offers to partner with him to aid protect the chicks, information technology isn't clear if J.J. needs assistance or just likes the good-looking canis familiaris. When things reach a climax, there's a twist to the mystery of the possum and Diamond Lil that the reader won't come across coming. Don't peek! You read-the-last-page readers will spoil the surprise!

This

J.J. is a retired search and rescue domestic dog who guards chickens. When a possum shows up, he fears for their lives but trusts his instincts. When the cute Samoyed canis familiaris, Diamond Lil, offers to partner with him to assistance protect the chicks, it isn't clear if J.J. needs help or just likes the practiced-looking canis familiaris. When things reach a climax, at that place's a twist to the mystery of the possum and Diamond Lil that the reader won't run into coming. Don't peek! You read-the-last-folio readers will spoil the surprise!

This story mimics the hard-boiled detective genre just with a fleck of ye ole kid humor of pee, burps, and chick antics. I thought some of the transitions in the beginning were choppy. I didn't quite get it that the chicks were being silly with J.J and using a blindfold with rabbit pee. I had to reread that role. The plot picks upward later on a third of the way and it'south smoothen waters from there on out. Or swirling waters. Young readers volition like the action in one case the story gets into the threat of a predator. The story reminded me of the Chet Gecko serial past Bruce Unhurt but easier to read. This 123-folio mystery is good for course 3 with a feel-expert ending.

The characters don't have much depth. I didn't really understand Vince's role with the others. He seems to be the villain or pryer and I think it would take helped to read book 1 to empathise the relationship with J.J.'s crew. Readers tin try and put together the clues to solve the mystery and while some are obvious others are not; unless readers are familiar with possum behavior. This book could be tied in with nonfiction books on rescue dogs, show dogs, and possums. While information technology was entertaining, it doesn't stand up out in the ocean of juvenile mystery books.

...more

Apr 28, 2012 Tami rated it really liked information technology

Fantastic! The 2nd volume in the J.J. Tully series by Doreen Cronin lives upwardly to the hope of the starting time installment (THE Problem WITH CHICKENS)and, in my opinion, goes beyond it! I read this one with my 8 and 9 year old as a bedtime story (similar the first ane) and we ALL loved information technology! The somewhat natural language-in-cheek motion picture noir-ish tone of J.J. and the resident villain Vince the Funnel are a blast to read aloud, not to mention the hilariously funny & sweet additions of the 4 chicks and their mother, Moo Fantastic! The second volume in the J.J. Tully series by Doreen Cronin lives upwardly to the promise of the commencement installment (THE Problem WITH CHICKENS)and, in my opinion, goes beyond it! I read this ane with my viii and 9 yr onetime every bit a bedtime story (similar the commencement one) and we ALL loved it! The somewhat natural language-in-cheek film noir-ish tone of J.J. and the resident villain Vince the Funnel are a blast to read aloud, not to mention the hilariously funny & sweet additions of the 4 chicks and their mother, Moosh.

This story introduces Lillian (or, Diamond Lil, as Vince refers to her), a Samoyed who claims to exist the side by side door neighbour's new pet. Inconsistencies in her story and her beliefs cause J.J. (the retired search-and-rescue domestic dog of the series title)to be alternately dislocated and suspicious. Add in a dangerous and elusive possum and you have the makings of a dynamite mystery.

This serial is perfect for young readers who are set for more than complicated plots and graphic symbol development. It's a great independent or read-aloud option for 1st through 3rd graders!

...more than

Good follow-upwardly to The Trouble With Chickens! Mystery notwithstanding abounds in J.J. Tully'southward world--why has the possum returned to the yard? who has moved in next door? and why is she (the new dog) sleeping nether the house? All will be revealed, only simply in due time, since Vince the funnel dog only gives out one piece of information for each dog biscuit!

This book will be enjoyed by newly independent readers who enjoy mysteries, animals, or funny/wry books.

It would also make a great read-aloud for a famil

Proficient follow-upward to The Trouble With Chickens! Mystery withal abounds in J.J. Tully'south globe--why has the possum returned to the yard? who has moved in next door? and why is she (the new domestic dog) sleeping under the house? All volition be revealed, but but in due time, since Vince the funnel domestic dog merely gives out 1 slice of information for each canis familiaris biscuit!

This volume will exist enjoyed by newly independent readers who enjoy mysteries, animals, or funny/wry books.

It would too make a groovy read-aloud for a family with kids of varying ages since the pace of the book is quick enough to hold the attending of the younger readers, and the voice of the narrator is mature plenty and the mystery complicated enough to hold the attention of the older ones.

...more

At that place is so much to beloved almost this 2d book in the J.J. Tully series. The illustrations give us strategic glimpses into the story. A new dog is added to the mix and she seems to take a mysterious underground. . . Vince gets to put his two cents in -- not without getting something for himself. The backyard is large in the scope of the story, though about certainly quite small in existent life. The tone of the narrative is reminiscent (as with book ane) of a noir detective novel and will appeal to the adu There is so much to beloved almost this second book in the J.J. Tully series. The illustrations give u.s.a. strategic glimpses into the story. A new domestic dog is added to the mix and she seems to have a mysterious secret. . . Vince gets to put his 2 cents in -- not without getting something for himself. The backyard is large in the telescopic of the story, though nearly certainly quite modest in real life. The tone of the narrative is reminiscent (as with book 1) of a noir detective novel and volition appeal to the adults who are reading forth or to the kids who also love J.J. and his backyard dilemmas. I wish there were more books in this series! ...more than

Jul 21, 2014 Jessica rated it actually liked it

this was a cute and funny little mystery most a dog and an unlikely ally. throw in some chickens and you have a page turning adventure great for new 2 chapter book readers. there were a few spots I got a fiddling dislocated past the writing simply overall it was a practiced story.

Jul 20, 2015 Kellie rated it information technology was ok

I didn't relish this one quite as much every bit the first one. It wasn't every bit funny, and at that place just weren't any surprises. There was as well a spot or 2 where the storytelling seemed disjointed. If I was dislocated, I'd surely recollect a immature reader would be also. I didn't relish this one quite every bit much every bit the first one. It wasn't as funny, and at that place just weren't any surprises. There was too a spot or two where the storytelling seemed disjointed. If I was confused, I'd surely call back a immature reader would exist equally well. ...more

Nov 18, 2016 Lindsay rated it it was ok

Andrew liked information technology.; I idea it was lame - tries too hard to make noir-detective references.

J.J. Is a retired search and rescue dog who has taken it upon himself to continue the chicks, who are full of personality and mental attitude, and hen "Moosh", rubber from damage. Life changes when a new dog, Lillian, shows up next door. In add-on an opossum has been spotted, putting the chicks in danger. How has the opossum gotten around the fence leaving no odour? A worthy mystery for those leaving easy readers behind and moving to their get-go chapter books. J.J. Is a retired search and rescue dog who has taken it upon himself to keep the chicks, who are total of personality and attitude, and hen "Moosh", safe from harm. Life changes when a new dog, Lillian, shows up adjacent door. In addition an opossum has been spotted, putting the chicks in danger. How has the opossum gotten around the fence leaving no aroma? A worthy mystery for those leaving easy readers backside and moving to their first affiliate books. ...more than

Sep 21, 2018 Katie rated it liked it

Would the tone of thus hard-boiled detective story be lost on the kids reading it? Unless they have a background with parents throwing around words similar gumshoe on a regular basis, 50 think and then. Still, a fun mystery, but mayhap needs a bit of guidance.

May 01, 2019 Andrea Wright rated information technology really liked information technology

I love this dog and the style he talks! The first book had the chicks in information technology more and this one focused a bit more on the mom craven, which I enjoyed so much. Really hoping in that location volition be more than books in the series!

Oct thirty, 2020 Kaylee Greer rated it really liked it

It was an awesome book, I really enjoyed it. The suspense and the mystery in this book was good.
I would read this book if you like the following in books:
one. Dogs...
2. Chickens...
3. mystery... and...
four. A all together proficient book

I loved everything about this. A hard-boiled dog detective in a mystery for kids? Yep please. Cronin gets all the difficult-boiled trademarks right...the cadence, the metaphors, the sense of humor.

Hats off to you, Doreen Cronin. My kids will be hearing this 1 often. Delight write more than!

Jul 17, 2017 Anne rated it it was ok

This mystery may appeal to young readers. But have warning. At times this DRA 34 is confusing, and information technology is full of hard-boiled allusions that will go over most young readers' heads. This mystery may entreatment to young readers. Merely take alarm. At times this DRA 34 is disruptive, and it is full of hard-boiled allusions that will become over most young readers' heads. ...more

Cam (quaternary form) says this was not equally skillful equally the get-go in the series, merely most. This one is a little more serious. Information technology is a expert book for people who like mysteries and surprise endings!

Nov 13, 2018 Daphne rated it it was amazing

My not-yet-reader loves the JJ Tully Mysteries and the Chicken Squad books. And then funny.

February 21, 2020 Charlene Avery rated it really liked information technology

Fun book! Twists, fun plot, and unusual characters make this book hum along. Amend than 1st book.

Soooo cute!

I'one thousand 62 and absolutely dearest these books! I hope to share them with my friends! They are such fun books!

Soooo beautiful!

I'm 62 and absolutely love these books! I hope to share them with my friends! They are such fun books!

...more

Jul 02, 2020 Claire Wang rated it it was amazing

My favorite part was when Moosh heard a thud and then she started screaming.

Oct 22, 2020 Lagobond rated it did not like information technology

I liked the first book in this serial, but I'm not feeling this 1. It feels also grown-up, besides snarky, too hostile, too jaded.*

Too bad!

* Even the illustrations are all grumpy and depressing.

I liked the first volume in this series, but I'1000 non feeling this 1. Information technology feels as well grown-up, too snarky, too hostile, too jaded.*

Too bad!

* Fifty-fifty the illustrations are all grumpy and depressing.

...more

Hard boiled kids mystery

Loved reading it with my 7 twelvemonth onetime girl along with the other books in series. It is very funny and not scary.

Nov 16, 2020 Mallory Lucas rated it really liked it

This was a fun volume with unusual characters and vocabulary. The discussion selection is unlike than most books merely information technology is all the same doable for a young reader. I really enjoyed this book.

This sequel to The Problem with Chickens introduces Diamond Lil, a new domestic dog in the neighborhood who claims to be living side by side door to JJ Tully's owner Barb. When she offers to help him keep watch over Moosh and her chicks overnight, however, JJ realizes he might be putting his trust in a shady graphic symbol.

The Trouble with Chickens was ane of my favorite chapter books of 2011, and I don't call back this second one lives up to it. How could it? The first volume established the entire fictional world of the

This sequel to The Trouble with Chickens introduces Diamond Lil, a new dog in the neighborhood who claims to be living side by side door to JJ Tully's owner Barb. When she offers to aid him keep watch over Moosh and her chicks overnight, notwithstanding, JJ realizes he might exist putting his trust in a shady grapheme.

The Trouble with Chickens was ane of my favorite chapter books of 2011, and I don't retrieve this second i lives upwards to it. How could it? The beginning book established the entire fictional world of the story, and introduced JJ for the first time. It gear up the tone for the series' sense of sense of humour and established the mold to which the other books in the serial will conform. Most of the time, kids plow to series because they are repetitive and they institute familiar patterns. Therefore, information technology's unusual for a second book to pause the mold.

What this book does is build upon the foundation set downwardly by the first JJ Tully story. This story not only shows us the effect of book one's events on JJ'south human relationship with Moosh and her chicks, it too gives us more than data on JJ'due south relationship with his owner, Affront, and on their experiences as a rescue team. The story is not as much of a mystery this time, but it has mysterious elements and clues pointing to the truth about the foreign new domestic dog. In this volume, the formula of the series as well becomes clear - in each story, JJ is tricked and well-nigh outsmarted, but at the last second pulls together all the information to figure things out, and the ending comes out happy. And in this case, thankfully, the ending is more straightforward than in The Trouble with Chickens, and the unabridged thing sticks with one point of view, so there is little chance of the reader becoming confused.

Doreen Cronin has such a knack for making animals interesting in a new and funny style. I really hope this is not the terminal we see of this unique cast of characters!

...more

January 23, 2013 Amanda Harris rated it really liked it

J.J., a retired search and rescue domestic dog, has i chore and one task only...that'southward to maintain constabulary and order in the seedy world of the chicken coop! (He especially keeps an eye on those lilliputian chicks!)
The mystery begins when a shady possum starts to testify up around the coop and J.J. fears the chicks are in serious danger. While the mystery continues, Lillian (Diamond Lil), a beautiful domestic dog with an equally cute southern accent, moves in adjacent door and offers to help. J.J. starts informing Lil virtually J.J., a retired search and rescue dog, has one job and one job only...that's to maintain law and order in the seedy earth of the craven coop! (He especially keeps an eye on those little chicks!)
The mystery begins when a shady possum starts to show upwardly around the coop and J.J. fears the chicks are in serious danger. While the mystery continues, Lillian (Diamond Lil), a beautiful dog with an equally beautiful southern accent, moves in next door and offers to help. J.J. starts informing Lil about what is going on, but fifty-fifty with Lil's help, J.J. is no closer to catching that no adept possum. J.J. is determined to solve the mystery, only footling does he know, there are bigger problems a brewin'! Will J.J. finally bring the possum to justice? Volition the chicks survive? Is Diamond Lil as skillful a friend as she seems? Do yous like books that are unpredictable? If so, pick this one upward and you'll surely enjoy the large twist at the end!

I would recommend this book to 3rd graders who dearest funny mystery books. I would as well recommend this book to parents who have kiddos who honey to listen to funny chapter books-this book will even make the adults chuckle! Animal & Mystery lovers will likewise relish this read. Kids who similar the Buddy Files serial by Dori Hillestad Butler would enjoy this volume due to the fact that this is another mystery with a dog as the main character. Fans of "Republic of guinea Canis familiaris" past Patrick Jennings would probably besides selection information technology up.

...more

Jul 18, 2013 Darlene rated information technology really liked information technology

Volume 26 Bibliographic Citation:
Cronin, D. (2012). The legend of Diamond Lil: A J. J. Tully mystery. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray.

Age/Grade Level: (Ages vii–11, Grades ii–5)

Summary:
Baby-sit dog J.J. Tully takes his chore seriously, and when a stranger shows up, he investigates. He's got other problems, though; a 'possum loose, and she's in Cahoots with the stranger to get inside the chicken coop. Fortunately, the stranger turns out to be a friend to all and helps the 'possum rescue her baby from the coop,

Volume 26 Bibliographic Citation:
Cronin, D. (2012). The legend of Diamond Lil: A J. J. Tully mystery. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray.

Historic period/Grade Level: (Ages 7–11, Grades 2–5)

Summary:
Guard canis familiaris J.J. Tully takes his job seriously, and when a stranger shows up, he investigates. He'south got other problems, though; a 'possum loose, and she's in Cahoots with the stranger to go inside the chicken coop. Fortunately, the stranger turns out to exist a friend to all and helps the 'possum rescue her baby from the coop, leaving everyone safe. Mystery solved.

Awards/Reviewing Sources:
2014 Colorado Children'south Book Accolade Nominee
Horn Volume starred (Fall 2012)
Kirkus Reviews (December xv, 2011)
School Library Journal (March 1, 2012)

Curriculum Content/Standard for 21st Century Learner:
The Legend of Diamond Lil: A J. J. Tully Mystery would offer a 4th grade writing class working on mystery writing a great instance that would allow the class to analyze the plot, elements, and development of a mystery story.

AASL Standard
4.1.4 Seek data for personal learning in a variety of formats and genres

Recommendation for student'due south personal literature selection:
This text would be recommended to students who enjoy mysteries, or the first from this A. J. Tully mystery series, The Trouble with Chickens. It is also similar to the mode of writing enjoyed past students who devour Hank the Cowdog books.

Genre:
Mystery, Fantasy

...more

Dec 09, 2011 Dolly rated it actually liked it

Recommends it for: children starting to read longer chapter books

This is the 2nd book in the J.J. Tully Mystery series by Doreen Cronin and Kevin Cornell. We read the first story, The Trouble With Chickens, just over a year ago and we were excited to come across a new story.

We are introduced to a femme fatale in this story and the characters first story return for an engaging and humorous hard-boiled detective tale. Vince the funnel is simply every bit disagreeable equally ever, merely he isn't the bad guy in this story. Overall, I liked this book fifty-fifty better than the get-go book.

This is the second book in the J.J. Tully Mystery serial past Doreen Cronin and Kevin Cornell. We read the first story, The Problem With Chickens, merely over a year ago and we were excited to see a new story.

We are introduced to a femme fatale in this story and the characters beginning story return for an engaging and humorous hard-boiled detective tale. Vince the funnel is just every bit disagreeable as ever, only he isn't the bad guy in this story. Overall, I liked this book even better than the first book.

I loved the suspense and the noir-themed drama of this tale and the illustrations actually help convey as much of the characters as does the narrative. We really enjoyed reading this book together, and we hope more books are written in this series soon.

...more than

I read the first book in this series when information technology was at our Spring Book Fair. This is the second book in the serial and information technology continues the story of JJ, the retired search and rescue canis familiaris whose electric current job is watching over "Moosh" and her flock of chicks. This time JJ has to deal with a possum that is trying to get to the chicks and a mysterious new neighbor.
I love the sarcasm that JJ uses and I think immature readers volition exist laughing out loud at the amusing things he says. For example, one of my favorite I read the get-go volume in this series when it was at our Spring Book Fair. This is the second book in the series and it continues the story of JJ, the retired search and rescue canis familiaris whose current job is watching over "Moosh" and her flock of chicks. This time JJ has to deal with a possum that is trying to get to the chicks and a mysterious new neighbor.
I dearest the sarcasm that JJ uses and I recollect immature readers will be laughing out loud at the amusing things he says. For example, ane of my favorite lines, "I was across the one thousand in less time than it takes for a burp to clear the space between my mouth and my nose." I know a lot of boys that will keep reading just to see more than lines like that! And the volume doesn't disappoint!
This is a fun, new series that volition appeal to whatsoever reader that enjoys mysteries, animals and funny books.
...more than

Doreen Cronin was a practicing attorney in Manhattan when her get-go book Click, Clack Moo: Cows That Type became a publishing success. Merely her book was not published overnight. In fact, she had written this barnyard tale even before attending law school simply only received rejection letters from publishers. Five years after submitting the original manuscript she got a phone call from a publisher who wante Doreen Cronin was a practicing attorney in Manhattan when her first book Click, Ballyhoo Moo: Cows That Type became a publishing success. Merely her book was non published overnight. In fact, she had written this barnyard tale fifty-fifty before attending law schoolhouse only simply received rejection messages from publishers. Five years after submitting the original manuscript she got a call from a publisher who wanted to plow her story into a book and the rest is history!

The busy life of a writer left no room for court litigation and arbitration and so Doreen fabricated the jump to beingness a full-fourth dimension children's book author. She then teamed up once once more with illustrator Betsy Lewin to write another hilarious barnyard tale, Giggle, Giggle, Dishonest, that continues the escapades of these lovable animals on a subcontract.

In Doreen's latest book, Diary of a Worm, she explores the daily life of a lovable worm. Who knew that the underground dwellings and activities of worms could exist and then funny? Readers may fifty-fifty detect that worm'due south life is much the aforementioned as theirs except worm eats his homework and his head looks a whole lot like his rear!

Doreen was born in Queens and grew up in Long Isle. She graduated from Pennsylvannia State University and St. John's Academy School of Police force. She currently resides in New York with her husband and domestic dog "Ruffie."

...more

Other books in the series

News & Interviews

March is Women'southward History Month, dedicated to the study, observance, and celebration of the vital part of women in American history.   Some...

"Flash Floods are virtually as anticipated equally a crazy dream subsequently one too many fish tacos - 1 minutes you lot're fine, and the next minute a moose is floating past you lot wearing a fishing hat and ladies' pajamas." — 4 likes

More quotes…

Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign yous in to your Goodreads business relationship.

cochraneponjuseme.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12475143-the-legend-of-diamond-lil

Share this post