Title: Detective Stanley and the Green-Thumbed Thief
Author: Hannah Tunnicliffe
Illustrator: Erica Harrison
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Ages: 5–9 years (perfect for young readers moving on from picture books)
Format: Paperback, 64 pp
ISBN: 9781838742973
Release Date: February 2026
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Do you have a young reader who loves mysteries, comics, or anything that makes them feel like a detective? Detective Stanley and the Green-Thumbed Thief delivers all that and more in a compact, colourful graphic story packed with humour and sleuthing fun.
What’s the Story About?
In this second outing for our favourite canine crime-solver, something curious is afoot in Narlybone Gardens. The first book was Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum (we loved this one). Rare plants are disappearing from the wintergarden – valuable specimens that have gardeners and horticulturists baffled. Enter Detective Stanley and his trusty sidekick, Parker Pine, ready to follow a trail of clues that’s as twisty as the vines themselves.
The plot is simple enough for early readers to follow but smartly constructed to make them think, too: who’s taking these plants and why? Every page invites kids to hunt for clues alongside Stanley, making this a read-aloud or solo read that encourages careful observation.
About the Author: Hannah Tunnicliffe
Hannah Tunnicliffe is a versatile writer whose work spans children’s books and prose for older readers. She has a talent for blending playful imagination with clever storytelling, making her stories accessible and engaging for young readers and adults alike.
Tunnicliffe lives by the sea with her family, and her life by the water often inspires her creativity and character choices. Detective Stanley and the Green-Thumbed Thief is her latest entry in the growing Detective Stanley series, following the delightfully quirky Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum, which introduced readers to Stanley and his offbeat world of sleuthing.
About the Illustrator: Erica Harrison
Erica Harrison brings Detective Stanley’s world to life with vibrant, expressive illustrations that perfectly complement Tunnicliffe’s witty text. A skilled illustrator and designer, Harrison’s work captures the humour, detail, and character of every scene – from Stanley’s thoughtful squint to the lush gardens at the heart of the mystery.
Her style sits beautifully between picture book charm and graphic novel rhythm, making her illustrations a key part of what makes this series so enticing for early readers. Together with Tunnicliffe, she helped create a distinctive visual identity for the series that kids adore and adults appreciate for its layered, humorous touches.
A Visual Treat
Erica Harrison’s vibrant illustrations bring Narlybone to life. The panels are expressive and fun, pulling readers into the mystery while keeping the pacing brisk. For children who might be transitioning from picture books to more text-heavy graphic novels, this book strikes a lovely balance – the pictures not only entertain but also support comprehension.
Great for Growing Readers
This is the kind of book that builds confidence: it’s engaging and accessible. With its mystery format, young readers feel a sense of achievement as they piece together clues and predict outcomes. It’s especially suited to children aged 5/6+ who are starting to enjoy longer reads but still love lively, illustrated storytelling.
Why We Love It
- Interactive mystery: Readers get to think like detectives, spotting clues and forming their own theories.
- Perfect stepping stone: An ideal graphic novel for kids stepping up from picture books.
- Charming characters: Stanley and Parker are quirky, funny, and easy to root for.
- Beautiful artwork: Bright, bold illustrations add humour and energy.
Final Thoughts
Detective Stanley and the Green-Thumbed Thief doesn’t just tell a story – it invites kids into an experience. Whether you share it during reading time or hand it over to an eager independent reader, it’s a delightful pick that blends humour, mystery, and gorgeous art. Highly recommended for young mystery fans, those who adore comics, and classrooms exploring graphic narrative formats.
Resources
- For Detective Stanley book 1 you can find resource sheets here.
- There’s a cute Green-Thumbed Thief colouring sheet that you can find here.
Next Reads…
If detective mysteries are something your children love then this picture book has been one of my daughter’s favourites for a few years.
If you have a graphic novel fan then check out some of the latest graphic novel releases in 2026.
