Books in First Flight series

Even the most observant scientist can botch up a theory or two. Alexandra Bointon dreams about becoming a scientist. When her school has their annual science fair, she always pairs up with her best friend, who is happy to let Alex take over and call all the shots. But this year is different. Her best friend teams up with someone else, and Alex ends up with the new kid, Keith. Reluctant to accept the situation, Alex tries to squirm out of it until Keith tells her his Aunt Karen is a famous scientist, who will be visiting him soon. Alex is excited at the prospect of meeting her idol; maybe teaming up with Keith won't be such a bad deal after all. But an observant scientist has to pay attention to details, and it isn't long before Alex starts to puzzle over the new kid. Why does Keith always cover up his work when she walks by? Why are there always flecks of paint on his clothes and dirt under his nails? And more important, why does his famous Aunt never seem to show up? He is good at science, and he is a great partner, but what is Keith hiding? A foolproof, scientific method of reasoning is sure to lead Alex to the answer. But by the time she is ready to reach her conclusion, does Alex really want to know? A fun story with an unexpected ending, The Not-Quite World Famous Scientist is perfect for readers, scientific or otherwise, who are ready for chapter books.

The two charter members of the Bat Club (Bats and Burglars and Bats out the Window) have to make some money fast. Sam and Simon aren't about to walk dogs or put up a lemonade stand. So the two friends embark on a unique enterprise instead - compost tea! All they need is their backyard compost bins, a shovel and some jars. Add some boiling water and the boys have the perfect product for indoor plant lovers everywhere. Once they set up business at the weekly market in town, the money comes rolling in. But after a big day at the market, the boys discover that their moneybox is empty. Somebody has stolen the proceeds! It isn't long before Sam and Simon figure out who is responsible - Mrs. Hook, their crazy neighbour who dresses like a pirate to scare kids off her yard. She was hanging around the market, and their compost tea stand all day. An evening of close surveillance of Mrs. Hook's activities confirms the boys' suspicions. And they discover that the old woman has more than just their compost-tea money. The boys are eager to expose the thief; after all, they've foiled crooks and been heroes before. This time, however, Sam and Simon are going to have to come up with a plan that will not only expose their enemy but will recover all the missing money. Will our intrepid heroes prevail? A fun and fast-paced story for young readers ready for chapter books, Bats in the Garbage is a great stand-alone adventure as well as a solid follow-up to Bats and Burglars and Bats Out the Window.