A Chet Gecko Mystery-Farewell, My Lunchbag by Bruce Hale

Some creature is stealing from Emerson Hicky's cafeteria.  Mrs. Bagoong, the cafeteria lady,  hires Chet and his partner Natalie to figure out who is snitching food.  Then Chet is framed and everyone (even Natalie!) thinks he is the thief.
My third grader selected this book from our library and thoroughly enjoys the series.
Guided Reading Level: O (end of third grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.1
Borrowed from the library.

A Chet Gecko Mystery #2 The Mystery of Mr. Nice by Bruce Hale

My third grader picked out this book from the library and read it to himself.
Chet's principal is actually being nice to him.  Now that is a huge mystery!
Does a recent jailbreak have any connections to the transformed principal and new teachers at Emerson Hicky Elementary?
Private-Eye Chet and his partner Natalie (a mockingbird) are determined to solve the case.
Guided Reading Level: O (end of 3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.9
Borrowed from the library.

A Chet Gecko #1 Mystery The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse by Bruce Hale

My third grader found this series at our library and is thoroughly enjoying them.
He says these books are funny and exciting.
For this case, Chet is suppose to find a missing chameleon, Billy.  His sister Shirley promised Chet a stinkbug pie if he finds Billy.
As I skimmed the book, I saw the words "brat" and other name calling.
Guided Reading Level: O (end of 3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.7

The Delicious Bug by Janet Perlman

Two chameleons, Willy and Wally, normally treat each other with kindness and respect.  When a plump bumblebug comes flying their way and they both catch the bug at the same time, their "not so nice" sides appear.  A desperate situation shakes them out of their selfish mode.
Funny!  Graphic style
Strategies: determining importance-sequencing; author's message/main idea