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Dewey Fairchild #1
Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver
Dewey Fairchild isn't just good with parents, he's great with them. He's so good at handling parents that he's built a thriving business out of it. He even has a secretary, Clara--a great alibi and an even better baker. Dewey settles the most troublesome of cases, from an overprotective mom who won't let her child go to class on her own, to a dad who can't stop picking his nose any chance he gets!
Dewey has no problem handling other people's parents, but when he overhears his parents talking one day, he faces a challenge he never expected. Dewey can solve any problem parents may cause, but what will he do when the parents who are causing problems are his own?
Dewey has no problem handling other people's parents, but when he overhears his parents talking one day, he faces a challenge he never expected. Dewey can solve any problem parents may cause, but what will he do when the parents who are causing problems are his own?
252 pages, Hardcover
First published August 8, 2017
3 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Lorri Horn
3 books6 followersLorri Horn is an educator and the author of the Dewey Fairchild Problem Solver middle grade series, published by Chicago Review Press. The first in that series earned a Kirkus starred review and was selected for their “Best Middle Grade Books of 2017.” The trilogy was translated and released in China, February 2020. Additionally, her work has appeared in the Huffington Post, Los Angeles Times Sunday Opinion, Phi Delta Kappan, and Advanced Placement (AP) Central. Lorri has been a National Board Certified Teacher, has a degree in English, a teaching credential, and a Masters of Education. In addition to literature and writing, she also studied biological anthropology and human behavior. Lorri taught public school and served as an instructional leader for 15 years. Her background brings to her work a unique insight and a warm sense of humor regarding the needs and perspectives of children and family dynamics.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 3, 2017
(Review of digital advance copy from EdelweissPlus) Lorri Horn offers up a light read that will appeal to 3rd-6th graders of both genders. Dewey is a likable young man who has found a penchant for solving parent problems and has picked up several interesting sidekicks with classmate Seraphina and former babysitter Clara. Oh, and Wolfie the dog who looks more like a panda. All in all, I enjoyed this book and think that my library patrons will, too. Readers will be entertained and might learn a few tips about getting along with their parents as they go. I did wish that Horn would have found a better expression for Dewey to use when he was caught unaware. "What the fruit?" is just too close to actual profanity. And her reference to a parent using a curse word that "rhymed with duck" was plain unnecessary.
July 30, 2017
Imagine a cross between Encyclopedia Brown and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. That's right, a young boy with detective abilities who also happens to be good at "curing" problem parents. Dewey handles issues ranging from germaphobic mothers to fathers that belch (and worse) in public. With the help of his secretary Clara and her dog Wolfgang von Fluff Bucket, young Mr. Fairchild finds cures for overprotective mothers, fathers who won't stop playing pranks, and other dilemmas brought to him by kids from all over town. Sometimes he even enlists the assistance of his friends in gathering information or find the right approach for clients to break their parents of all these bad habits. As he puts it, "Desperate mothers called for desperate measures."
Each situation is handled successfully and readers will be amused by the solutions to the problems. Scenes like the joker dad sucking his thumb in shock over being pranked himself will have readers laughing out loud. But what will really win everyone over is the fact that Dewey has a parent problem of his own and doesn't know how to solve it. It proves that no one is perfect and that we can all use some help from our friends. Seraphina and Colin's attempts at undercover work in the dental office of Dewey's father are hilarious and show how far true friends will go to help each other.
This book is appealing on many levels. There are the funny parent problems and the even funnier things Dewey has the kids do to break those parental habits. Readers who like secret hideouts or clubhouses will love Dewey's office and the way clients enter and exit. For those who enjoy spies and detectives, there are the stakeouts, message drops, and using Wolfie to smuggle tape recorders. And there is plenty of word play and puns. Looking over the file of the burping father, Dewey finds that he also picks his nose in public, and "had to admit, having a public nose picker for a father pretty much nosed ahead of other people's problems." He tells his secretary, "Get it, Clara!? I'm picking her case first!" Go ahead and groan, but it is funny.
Perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy humorous stories involving parents, friends, and lots of cookies.
Each situation is handled successfully and readers will be amused by the solutions to the problems. Scenes like the joker dad sucking his thumb in shock over being pranked himself will have readers laughing out loud. But what will really win everyone over is the fact that Dewey has a parent problem of his own and doesn't know how to solve it. It proves that no one is perfect and that we can all use some help from our friends. Seraphina and Colin's attempts at undercover work in the dental office of Dewey's father are hilarious and show how far true friends will go to help each other.
This book is appealing on many levels. There are the funny parent problems and the even funnier things Dewey has the kids do to break those parental habits. Readers who like secret hideouts or clubhouses will love Dewey's office and the way clients enter and exit. For those who enjoy spies and detectives, there are the stakeouts, message drops, and using Wolfie to smuggle tape recorders. And there is plenty of word play and puns. Looking over the file of the burping father, Dewey finds that he also picks his nose in public, and "had to admit, having a public nose picker for a father pretty much nosed ahead of other people's problems." He tells his secretary, "Get it, Clara!? I'm picking her case first!" Go ahead and groan, but it is funny.
Perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy humorous stories involving parents, friends, and lots of cookies.
July 25, 2017
There comes a time when a child no longer believes that his parent knows everything. The child may even be embarrassed by how his parent behaves in public. Enter Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver. He finds ways to help children change their parents’ unattractive behavior.
Dewey’s business is so busy that he has an office (in his attic), an assistant (his old babysitter), and letterhead stationery. Kids who want to request his services crawl through the air ducts and fly down a slide into the attic, munching on homemade cookies that have been strategically placed in the air vent entrance.
Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver follows Dewey as he tackles his cases. He searches for solutions to the parent-created problems of kids in his town, including, with the help of three good friends—Seraphina, Colin, and assistant Clara—a problem that is close to home. When he overhears his parents talking about moving the family to Alaska, he decides something has to be done. Surely Dewey Fairchild, PPS, can solve this parent-problem!
Readers will laugh out loud at Dewey’s investigative strategies, at the various problems he faces (including a public nose-picking dad!), and the solutions he dreams up! Parents: watch your behavior around your kids once they’ve read this one, or you might find yourself crying on YouTube!
I highly recommend picking up a copy for your middle grade readers! I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review. We can’t wait for the next book of Dewey Fairchild’s cases!
Dewey’s business is so busy that he has an office (in his attic), an assistant (his old babysitter), and letterhead stationery. Kids who want to request his services crawl through the air ducts and fly down a slide into the attic, munching on homemade cookies that have been strategically placed in the air vent entrance.
Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver follows Dewey as he tackles his cases. He searches for solutions to the parent-created problems of kids in his town, including, with the help of three good friends—Seraphina, Colin, and assistant Clara—a problem that is close to home. When he overhears his parents talking about moving the family to Alaska, he decides something has to be done. Surely Dewey Fairchild, PPS, can solve this parent-problem!
Readers will laugh out loud at Dewey’s investigative strategies, at the various problems he faces (including a public nose-picking dad!), and the solutions he dreams up! Parents: watch your behavior around your kids once they’ve read this one, or you might find yourself crying on YouTube!
I highly recommend picking up a copy for your middle grade readers! I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review. We can’t wait for the next book of Dewey Fairchild’s cases!
July 28, 2017
This is a very cute story about a character who helps other kids solve the problems of how their parents annoy them. It covers everything from a nose-picking dad to an over protective mom. As long as you kept in mind that this is a book series designed for children so it meant to be completely off base in how it all works. Also you might want a bag of cookies near by while you read it as i cookies are mentioned a lot in this book as they are served while the clients crawl through the attic ducts to talk to Dewey about their problems. Very well written and kept my attention.
May 29, 2017
I enjoyed this book very well as long as I kept a 'young reader perspective'. There are some parts of this book that are quite unbelievable (hence the perspective). What I loved about the book: characters that were real and that I would want my child and friends to emulate; very well-written with strong vocabulary and dialogue; and a message that talking to your parents is a great choice and can go really well.
I received a copy for review purposes courtesy of the publisher.
I received a copy for review purposes courtesy of the publisher.
March 22, 2017
Fun and entertaining read for kids! Buying it for my friends kids for sure!
Want to read
April 20, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 7, 2017
It may have started when eleven-year-old Dewey's friend Seraphina came to him at lunch one day, exasperated about her mom. It seems that her mother was one of those helicopter moms who still held Seraphina's hand when they walked across the street and then all the way into the classroom. Other things were happening too, and that's how Dewey became a "Parent Problem Solver". Within the story, Dewey manages to solve more than one problem and is so busy he's asked his next-door neighbor and elder friend Clara to be his assistant. Fortified by Clara's cookie baking and welcoming the clients with cookies set out through a secret passage to Dewey's attic, his "secret" life becomes busier and busier. Dewey has older and younger sisters, a mom who's often cold and a dad who's a dentist, but the story evolves into his own family problem. And Dewey is not sure he can solve that one.
I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book. It seemed a bit fantastical to me, yet Dewey's fun sense of humor that intertwines with the serious tone he takes when helping other kids won me over. I believe there is a part of every child who would love the power to do the things Dewey manages and helps his friends manage, in order to "fix" a parent problem. I can hear the giggles while reading about the sleuthing that occurs and see the nodding heads in agreement about parents whose habits aren't always to their children's liking. Lorri Horn's writing shows she knows about children's deepest wishes for some power to change things in their lives.
I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book. It seemed a bit fantastical to me, yet Dewey's fun sense of humor that intertwines with the serious tone he takes when helping other kids won me over. I believe there is a part of every child who would love the power to do the things Dewey manages and helps his friends manage, in order to "fix" a parent problem. I can hear the giggles while reading about the sleuthing that occurs and see the nodding heads in agreement about parents whose habits aren't always to their children's liking. Lorri Horn's writing shows she knows about children's deepest wishes for some power to change things in their lives.
May 9, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
What an enjoyable and funny book. Believe me, I belly laughed more times than I could count. In fact, sometimes when I think about the book, I laugh out loud. The humor in this book is at times cheesy, but all ages will love it. Dewey is such a lovable character. He reminds me of Nate the Great because of his seriousness and how he handles his cases. Children will really like this book because it is relatable and has situations that they will be familiar to them. My favorite character, besides Dewey, is Clara. She is Dewey’s assistant, and the book would not be the same without her. Her cookies are so very important to the story, and the fact that she is funny and treats the children with respect will make her a reader's favorite too. Readers fall instantly fall in love with her. The ending of the book is open so there could be a sequel. I know this will be a favorite “pick” of your readers.
Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver would be a perfect read aloud for any classroom. In fact, it is on my list to share with my 6th graders at the beginning of next year. The class could become “Problem Solvers” by helping others with issues they have with their parents. The teacher could develop “problems” or the students can make their own. They can be solved by committee or by individual problem solvers. You could even expand to problems with siblings, pets, neighbors, other students…. Classes could read both Nate the Great and Dewey Fairchild to compare and contrast: technology, methods, success… Activities could be expanded into cooking. There are so many different cookies mentioned in the story. The class could make cookies and then graph favorites, write reviews, practice descriptive writing, invent new recipes, and study cooking measurements,
Holy tarter sauce, you will love this book.
What an enjoyable and funny book. Believe me, I belly laughed more times than I could count. In fact, sometimes when I think about the book, I laugh out loud. The humor in this book is at times cheesy, but all ages will love it. Dewey is such a lovable character. He reminds me of Nate the Great because of his seriousness and how he handles his cases. Children will really like this book because it is relatable and has situations that they will be familiar to them. My favorite character, besides Dewey, is Clara. She is Dewey’s assistant, and the book would not be the same without her. Her cookies are so very important to the story, and the fact that she is funny and treats the children with respect will make her a reader's favorite too. Readers fall instantly fall in love with her. The ending of the book is open so there could be a sequel. I know this will be a favorite “pick” of your readers.
Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver would be a perfect read aloud for any classroom. In fact, it is on my list to share with my 6th graders at the beginning of next year. The class could become “Problem Solvers” by helping others with issues they have with their parents. The teacher could develop “problems” or the students can make their own. They can be solved by committee or by individual problem solvers. You could even expand to problems with siblings, pets, neighbors, other students…. Classes could read both Nate the Great and Dewey Fairchild to compare and contrast: technology, methods, success… Activities could be expanded into cooking. There are so many different cookies mentioned in the story. The class could make cookies and then graph favorites, write reviews, practice descriptive writing, invent new recipes, and study cooking measurements,
Holy tarter sauce, you will love this book.
May 4, 2017
A delightful little book about a friendly, helpful boy who corrals his friends to help him solve other children's problems with their parents from an OCD mother to an embarrassing father. Except... Dewey finds out someone who needs help a lot closer to home... himself!
As this is a children's book, for a much younger audience, the characters were portrayed simply, relying heavily on small details. I was slightly confused about Clara's age, but, as a child, Dewey could hardly be expected to know it, although the 'birthday party' list could help you out if you were willing to sit and count them.
A delightful book that will appeal to young minds. Fun, with a little detective work and lots of biscuits to keep everything sweet.
As this is a children's book, for a much younger audience, the characters were portrayed simply, relying heavily on small details. I was slightly confused about Clara's age, but, as a child, Dewey could hardly be expected to know it, although the 'birthday party' list could help you out if you were willing to sit and count them.
A delightful book that will appeal to young minds. Fun, with a little detective work and lots of biscuits to keep everything sweet.
September 22, 2017
I loved this book! It entertained me in so many ways! Kids will love it and parents will be so happy to have their kids reading a book that encourages play and problem-solving while maintaining a level head and a sense of humor.
The premise of a kid solving the problems that parents cause their children is fresh and new! I have never encountered a book like this before -- it is truly original. Parents are people, with their own quirks: this book addresses them in an honest and respectful way, while also playfully discussing their quirks without mockery or shame.
I would love to see this used in schools during units and projects that emphasize design thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Lorri Horn has also provided an elevated textual style that will inspire young writers to shape their author voice and approach to composition in new ways.
The wit and punch of the author is rip-roaring fun! Hysterical on so many pages! The emotional and psychological sophistication is subtly embedded within the characters and their adventures, and it really does leave one thinking about how problems can be solved in more empathetic and creative ways.
In the final analysis, I think this book is incredibly well-written, for it delivers a fabulous storyline while also leaving the reader with many thoughts to ponder and carry over into one's own life. The characters have a real warmth for each other, and friend & family dynamics are explored in a productive, collaborative, and open manner.
FIVE STARS!!! FIVE CHEERS FOR DEWEY FAIRCHILD AND HIS DOG, WOLFIE!!!
I sure hope there will be more books coming from this wonderful author, Lorri Horn. I am already thinking of many problems that Dewey Fairchild could solve better than anyone. :-)
The premise of a kid solving the problems that parents cause their children is fresh and new! I have never encountered a book like this before -- it is truly original. Parents are people, with their own quirks: this book addresses them in an honest and respectful way, while also playfully discussing their quirks without mockery or shame.
I would love to see this used in schools during units and projects that emphasize design thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Lorri Horn has also provided an elevated textual style that will inspire young writers to shape their author voice and approach to composition in new ways.
The wit and punch of the author is rip-roaring fun! Hysterical on so many pages! The emotional and psychological sophistication is subtly embedded within the characters and their adventures, and it really does leave one thinking about how problems can be solved in more empathetic and creative ways.
In the final analysis, I think this book is incredibly well-written, for it delivers a fabulous storyline while also leaving the reader with many thoughts to ponder and carry over into one's own life. The characters have a real warmth for each other, and friend & family dynamics are explored in a productive, collaborative, and open manner.
FIVE STARS!!! FIVE CHEERS FOR DEWEY FAIRCHILD AND HIS DOG, WOLFIE!!!
I sure hope there will be more books coming from this wonderful author, Lorri Horn. I am already thinking of many problems that Dewey Fairchild could solve better than anyone. :-)
September 9, 2017
Parents cause so many problems for their kids - they are overprotective, embarrassing, or just plain hiding secrets that are really important for kids to know. When Dewey finds success solving his friend Seraphina’s parent problem, he opens a business helping his Grade 5 classmates with a gamut of grown-up griefs. Things get so busy he recruits his neighbour and long-time (really, really long-time!) family friend Clara to help as an assistant, who happens to also bake the best cookies. Young readers will enjoy reading about the problems, and Dewey's research-intensive approach to figuring out how to resolve matters for his friends. This book is a lot of fun, well written, and has the right amount of gross (a nose-picking dad) to appeal to this age group. Dewey’s friends are an appropriate ethnic mix for today’s world, though I would not consider this an overtly multicultural book. The dialogue is authentic, and the tech is up to date, with cellphones, picture sharing, and GPS all playing key roles in the kids’ adventures. An excellent choice for readers ready to move up from Jeff Kinney’s Wimpy Kid series. My thanks to Amberjack Publishing for the advance reading copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.See my full review at https://mmbookshelf.wordpress.com/201...
August 23, 2017
Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver
by Lorri Horn
Amberjack Publishing
Children's Fiction , Middle Grade
Pub Date 08 Aug 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver through Amberjack Publishing and Netgalley:
Dewey Fairchild is so good with solving parent problems that he's built a career out of it. He even has a secretary Clara, she's a great alibi and an even better baker.
Dewey has no problem when it comes to helping others with their problems, but when he learns that his Father is moving them to Alaska he finds a problem that will be difficult if not impossible to solve. Will he be able to solve the problem, or accept the move?
Find out in Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver:
Five out of five stars
Happy Reading!
September 22, 2020
Dewey Fairchild is a middle grade child with the unique ability to manipulate parents to change their behaviors. What kid wants a helicopter mom walking her to school every morning? Or a dad who burps and picks his nose in front of her friends? It’s embarrassing to the nth degree!
In steps Dewey Fairchild to save the day. Dewey professionally interviews each client, does his research, and gets out in the field to uncover the problem first hand before suggesting his remedy, which always works.
Unfortunately, Dewey’s toughest case turns up when he overhears his parents talking about a huge change for his family, which makes the budding psychologist very unhappy. Will Dewey be able to work his magic with his own parents?
In her 245 page chapter book written for children ages 9-12, Lorri Horn writes a funny and captivating novel with fun characters, an exciting plot, and descriptive setting that will keep kids reading from start to finish.
Dewey Fairchild Parent Problem Solver has an excellent lesson plan, which teachers, tutors, and parents can use to motivate reluctant readers. Horn, a certified teacher, instructs her readers to concepts like characterization, understanding themes, imagery, and figurative language.
As the author of the Koolura Series and former teacher, I highly recommend Dewey Fairchild Parent Problem Solver for readers in grades 4-7.
In steps Dewey Fairchild to save the day. Dewey professionally interviews each client, does his research, and gets out in the field to uncover the problem first hand before suggesting his remedy, which always works.
Unfortunately, Dewey’s toughest case turns up when he overhears his parents talking about a huge change for his family, which makes the budding psychologist very unhappy. Will Dewey be able to work his magic with his own parents?
In her 245 page chapter book written for children ages 9-12, Lorri Horn writes a funny and captivating novel with fun characters, an exciting plot, and descriptive setting that will keep kids reading from start to finish.
Dewey Fairchild Parent Problem Solver has an excellent lesson plan, which teachers, tutors, and parents can use to motivate reluctant readers. Horn, a certified teacher, instructs her readers to concepts like characterization, understanding themes, imagery, and figurative language.
As the author of the Koolura Series and former teacher, I highly recommend Dewey Fairchild Parent Problem Solver for readers in grades 4-7.
October 20, 2018
A modern version of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, except the parent-fixer is a child instead of an adult. Dewey's voice and interests seem younger than eleven years old, making his business acumen too much of a stretch. Unlike the encyclopedic knowledge of Encyclopedia Brown, Dewey has no qualities to explain his success with all the other kids' problem parents. The ending is especially disappointing; though Dewey prepares the seeds of the resolution, his two friends and grown-up assistant carry out the plans for him.
April 5, 2019
My daughter loved this book...and the second one too...Dewey, Teacher Problem Solver! She is anxiously awaiting the third iteration!
Kate has given the book as a birthday present to many of her friends and kids seem to universally love it...the problems with which Dewey is presented are hilarious to 8-11 year olds and the book is so well written that parent will be happy about their children reading it....and teachers will like it because it is very common core-ish -- Lots of logical problem solving going on!
Highly recommend!
Kate has given the book as a birthday present to many of her friends and kids seem to universally love it...the problems with which Dewey is presented are hilarious to 8-11 year olds and the book is so well written that parent will be happy about their children reading it....and teachers will like it because it is very common core-ish -- Lots of logical problem solving going on!
Highly recommend!
September 18, 2019
It had a very abrupt ending.
December 27, 2018
As an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed this children's book and recommend it for anyone with children who have very active imaginations.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews