"Toby is one of those rare performers who makes our job easy. He’s professional, flexible, and understands how libraries work. The kids are completely engaged — laughing, thinking, participating — and the adults are just as entertained. His blend of comedy, puppetry, and heart delivers real value to our community. When Toby’s on our calendar, we know it’s going to be a full room and a fantastic day."
Olivia Wargins, Library Director
Mystery/Detective/Suspense
Reading Expands
Our Universe
In a galaxy not so far away, a mystery is unfolding — and only the audience can help solve it.
Join a wise (and slightly quirky) Master Jedi for an outer space adventure packed with magical surprises, clever puppetry, and interactive fun. Strange clues appear, suspicious characters pop in, and nothing is quite what it seems. Using teamwork, sharp thinking, and a little help from the Force, the audience helps uncover hidden messages and crack the case.
It’s a high-energy blend of comedy, magic, and mystery — all leading to a satisfying, feel-good conclusion that reminds everyone that courage, curiosity, and working together can solve even the biggest problems in the universe.
Enchanted
Planet
Enchanted
Planet
A Toby KID Library Adventure Series
A Toby KID Library Adventure Series
the Outer Space Case of the
the Outer Space Case of the
Blast off with Toby-Wan Ka-Toby and his bitty blue sidekick Watt in their most daring adventure yet! This intergalactic odyssey rockets through the stars in search of the mysterious Enchanted Planet, where porgs flutter and Wa-Was keep the cosmic comedy and magic alive. Along the way, laughter collides with suspense as strange signals and shadowy clues add an eerie twist to the mission.
With plenty of audience participation, kids will giggle, gasp, and even learn how to harness the Force themselves—turning every child into a space explorer. Packed with comedy, character-driven fun, and a few galactic surprises, this is one starry journey where imagination takes the controls.
“I’ve taken my kids to a lot of programs, and this was on another level. Toby had them laughing, shouting out clues, and completely locked in from start to finish. What impressed me most was the message woven into all the fun — teamwork, confidence, and thinking for yourself. Over supper, as they told their mom about the show, they talked about ‘thinking it through.’ That’s when you know it made an impact.”
Jeff McNamara — Dad of Two
Why Mystery Stories are Great for Kids
Mystery novels are more than just entertaining stories; they offer several benefits for young readers, especially those in the 3rd grade. Let’s examine the advantages of introducing mystery books to your 3rd grader.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills
Mystery stories often involve puzzles, riddles, and hidden clues that the protagonists must decipher to solve the case. By following along and trying to crack the mystery themselves, 3rd graders learn to think critically and analytically. These essential life skills enable children to develop problem-solving abilities and make informed decisions in various aspects of their lives.
For example, when reading a mystery book, a child may encounter a character who is acting suspiciously. They may begin to question the character’s motives and try to piece together clues to figure out what is really going on. This type of critical thinking can be applied to real-life situations, such as when trying to solve a problem at school or figuring out a difficult math problem.
Encouraging Active Reading
Unlike some other genres, mysteries require readers to pay close attention to details in order to solve the puzzle. This encourages active reading and helps 3rd graders enhance their reading comprehension skills. With each new clue or plot twist, kids become more interested in the story, encouraging them to read more and improve their overall reading abilities.
Furthermore, active reading can also help children develop empathy for the characters in the story. By putting themselves in the shoes of the protagonist, they can better understand the character’s motivations and emotions. This can help children develop stronger social skills and emotional intelligence.
Building Vocabulary and Comprehension
As children read mystery novels, they’ll encounter new words and phrases that expand their vocabulary. This newfound knowledge not only strengthens their language skills but also improves their overall reading comprehension. In addition, understanding complex plots and character relationships will contribute to their ability to grasp complex concepts in other areas of learning.
For example, a child who reads a mystery book may encounter a word like “alibi” or “clue,” which they may not have encountered before. By looking up the definition and understanding how the word is used in the context of the story, they can expand their vocabulary and improve their comprehension skills.
In conclusion, introducing your 3rd grader to mystery books can have a multitude of benefits, from developing critical thinking skills to building vocabulary and comprehension. So next time you’re at the library or bookstore, consider picking up a mystery novel for your young reader!
Best for Ages 6-8: Easy Mystery Chapter Books
Looking for a great way to introduce your child to mysteries? You can start with easy chapter books that spark curiosity and build confidence. These stories use simple language and fun plots. Young readers get to solve puzzles and follow clues with every page.
The Mysterious Mr. Platt by Penny T. Borgia
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The Thief in Room 103 by Penny T. Borgia
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Kekoa and the Egg Mystery
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The Brown Fox Mystery
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A Moldy Mystery
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Spy in the Alley
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Nate the Great Series
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A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author
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Museum Mayhem by Christina Farley
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Operation Robot Rescue by Christina Farley
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The Alien Escape Room by Sarah McGuire
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The Mysterious Mr. Platt by Penny T. Borgia
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School Play Sabotage by Sarah McGuire
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The Mysterious Moonlight Fair by Jake Morrow
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The Secret Scroll by Jake Morrow
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Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum by Hannah Tunnicliffe
Best for Ages 8-10: Fun Mystery Books for 3rd-4th Graders
Kids ages 8-10 want more adventure and bigger challenges. You can dive into stories with teamwork, friendship, and exciting twists. These books use richer plots and let you explore deeper mysteries.
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The Case of the Baker Street Irregular
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The Adventures of Jack Lime
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Favorite Sherlock Holmes Detective Stories
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Nancy Drew Diaries Series
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The Happy Hollisters Series
Best for Ages 10-12: Middle-Grade Mysteries with Depth
Kids ages 10-12 want stories with more depth and challenge. You read about mysteries that explore emotions and friendships. These books use complex plots and ask you to think for yourself. Middle-grade mysteries help you form your own opinions and understand different points of view. You still enjoy illustrations, but you also start to appreciate deeper themes.
Tip: Middle-grade mystery books are perfect for independent readers. You get to solve bigger puzzles and explore more mature ideas. These stories help you grow as a thinker and a reader.
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The Mystery of Atlantis
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The Mystery of the Ghosts of Flight 401
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Milo & Jazz Mysteries Series
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The Case of the Locked Box
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The Case of the Stinky Socks
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The Case of the Haunted Haunted House
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The Case of the Poisoned Pig
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The Case of the Superstar Scam
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The Case of the Crooked Campaign
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The Case of the Diamonds in the Desk
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The Case of the Purple Pool
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The Case of the Amazing Zelda