The Jade Mystery

Adventures of Teddy and Trouble : Book 2

Children - Animals
36 Pages
Reviewed on 01/22/2021
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

M.L. and S.W. Moyer are retired and recently celebrated their 47th Anniversary. They reside in SoCal where they have lived since 1977. "The joy our family received in raising a large litter of Labrador puppies was the catalyst that inspired Adventures of Teddy and Trouble. The 13 pups' bold innocence and daring adventures within our terraced one-acre botanical backyard was a never-ending delight. The real Teddy and Trouble and their brothers and sister will always be in our hearts." Their first book, Adventures of Teddy and Trouble: Looking for Trouble was published in 2019. Watch for the third Adventures of Teddy and Trouble: The Opal Mountains.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Jade Mystery: Adventures of Teddy and Trouble, Book 2 is an animal adventure picture book for children written by M.L. Moyer and illustrated by S.W. Moyer. Teddy was asleep on his favorite rug in the living room when Trouble came barreling into the room. He was running so fast he began to slip and slide on the polished wooden floor, and both dogs lost their balance and fell flat on the floor. Trouble breathlessly explained that he had found something really remarkable; something Teddy had to come out and see. Trouble ran out the door again, with Teddy at his heels, but, suddenly, Teddy noticed Trouble had disappeared. They had been in a beautiful garden complete with a tiny pool, but as Teddy looked around, he could see no sign of his mischievous brother. Then he saw it -- hidden behind vines draping over a stone wall, there was a small door, and it was ajar. Was Trouble in there?

M.L. Moyer’s The Jade Mystery is an exciting and sumptuously illustrated story that continues the adventures of two golden Labradors. There’s an adventure, suspense, excitement, and even lurking danger hidden within the pages of this deceptively slim volume, and it’s all made incredibly real via the artwork of S.W. Moyer. Each panel is a delight to linger upon and study, especially the tidal pools and coastal scenes which had me wistfully imagining traveling once again along the Pacific Coast Highway. The author’s characters capture the fun-loving, gallant, and adventurous spirit of canine companions, especially golden Labradors, and the story kept me entertained and enjoying every moment. The Jade Mystery is a grand example of what an exceptional picture book can be; there’s even a series of questions for kids to work through at the back of the book, which will let them re-experience the adventures of Teddy and Trouble even more fully. Most highly recommended.

Erin Nicole Cochran

The Jade Mystery by M.L. Moyer is a children’s picture book that follows two doggy pals by the names of Teddy and Trouble. The adventure starts with a journey through a hidden door that reveals another dog friend, Jade. The three comrades make their way to a beautiful destination but come across what seems to be a serious situation. Will everyone find their way back home? Will all three friendships last? You’ll have to pick up this book to find out.

M.L. Moyer’s The Jade Mystery made me smile almost all the way through. The narrative felt authentic, as authentic as three dogs speaking can. And the illustrations were like some I had never seen before. The art was created by S.W. Moyer and I honestly can’t tell if there are several mediums at play, or if there is just one, but it has this Monet’s Garden at Giverny sort of quality to it that steals your breath. So, if you are hungry for real artistry, M.L. Moyer’s The Jade Mystery will not disappoint you. I enjoyed the story; it brought back to mind some of my own pets, and what their adventures might have been like in the past. There is much to love about this children’s book, from the illustrations to the story to the bond of friendship that is created in these pages. It is a wonderful example of how friends help one another in their time of need. Definitely a book for all ages, young and old alike.

K.C. Finn

The Jade Mystery is a work of fiction in the adventure, suspense, and mystery sub-genres, and was penned by author M. L. Moyer with accompanying illustrations by artist S. W. Moyer. Written as the second part of the Adventures of Teddy and Trouble collection, this charming work is intended for children with accompanied reading and for new readers to enjoy alone. The work chronicles the antics of two lovely dogs who go on an adventure, exploring the beautiful scenery, spooky caves, and the mysterious Jade, whom they want to find. What results is a charming rescue adventure all about friendship and bravery.

Author M. L. Moyer brings to life a beautiful and well-conceived story that animal lovers will be sure to adore. One of the things which I most enjoyed about the book was the awareness of the reading audience and the choice of language to make it accessible but also educational for new readers. The comprehension questions at the end are also a nice touch for those who might want to use the book in the classroom or a home school situation. The illustrations by artist S. W. Moyer only serve to enhance the charm and whimsy of the tale. I loved the classic art style, so different from many cartoonish modern-day children’s books, which I feel will give young readers a deeper appreciation for art in the long run. Overall, I really enjoyed The Jade Mystery and would gladly recommend it to any parents, guardians, and teachers with young children in search of a new adventure.

Shrabastee Chakraborty

The Jade Mystery is the second installment of the Adventures of Teddy and Trouble series. Written by M.L. Moyer and illustrated by S.W. Moyer, this book recounts the most recent adventure of Teddy and Trouble, the pooch duo. One afternoon, Trouble wakes Teddy up from a dream, claiming he has discovered a mysterious doorway. Following Trouble, Teddy enters a dimly-lit room, leading to more doors. Inexplicably, each entrance has a fresh rose lying in front of it. What mysteries hide behind the closed doors? What great adventures lie ahead of them? Is the duo brave enough to go forth and help their friend who is in urgent need? The Jade Mystery, a book suitable for children aged 5-10 years, can provide answers to these questions.

Reading The Jade Mystery was a refreshing experience. The book was both exhilarating and incredibly sweet. The puppies were adorable with their various antics. Their curiosity and thrill-seeking natures caused the whole thing to transpire. What attracted me the most were the illustrations by S.W. Moyer. Their vivid color and richness made the scenery come alive. I lost myself in the sandy beaches, the tidal pools with its fauna, and the azure sea with its crashing waves. The attention to detail in the pictures was exquisite. The series of questions M.L. Moyer incorporated would undoubtedly help young readers summing up the finer points of the book. The short length and a small number of sentences per page would be suitable for a young audience.

Peggy Jo Wipf

This fully illustrated book, The Jade Mystery by M.L. Moyer, takes young readers on an adventure featuring the golden labs, Trouble and Teddy. Trouble wakes Teddy from his afternoon nap to solve a mystery. Hidden in their garden is a secret door leading down to peculiar tunnels. Teddy and Trouble investigate and find their friend, Jade. She is a chocolate Labrador, full of fun and looking to send her friends on a quest. As the boy dogs seek Jade along the ocean shore, they realize their amusing game may end in danger for Jade. It is up to them to save her, but can they get to her in time?

I found The Jade Mystery an entertaining read that young children will love. M.L. Moyer keeps this story exciting as the young dogs race around on their escapade. S.W. Moyer brings the story alive with her beautiful illustrations. The details in the pictures will keep your child’s attention as they learn about friendship and the beautiful characteristics of the beach terrain. I love the questions in the book to help children learn how to pull out key information from a story. This is a skill they will need for life, as well as an enjoyable interaction between the author and child. This book introduces characters that will be in the next book; The Opal Mountains. I would suggest buying the hardcover or paperback book as your child will enjoy reading this book multiple times.