Spring 2024

The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist

From the Series The Pinchers

  • Interest Level: Grade 1 - Grade 4
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

The first in a funny chapter book crime series about a well-behaved child who doesn’t fit in to his family of criminals—featuring a prison break, a diamond heist, and a lie that saves the day.

Theo is good at most things. He can almost count to a thousand, knows several French words, and can operate the washing machine. But he can’t lie or steal.

“You must try harder,” says his mother sternly.

The Pincher Family love to steal things. It’s what they are born for! When his parents leave to visit the diamond exhibition, Theo’s heart sinks. After breaking Grandma out of prison (his little sister needs someone to read her bedtime story), Theo sees no alternative but to stop his parents stealing the diamond. His shout of “Stop! Police!” brings them only delight—Theo’s lie has shown he is a true Pincher.

A mix of adventure, silliness, and everyday family life, and with bright and funny illustrations, this is a perfect chapter book for beginning and reluctant readers.

Praise for The Pinchers:
“If you are looking for a goofy, good fun beginning chapter book reader series, pinch this book. Criminally good writing, illustrations, and design.”—Jon Scieszka, US National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature

“Ingenious, well-written and with absolutely wonderful illustrations. We enjoy stories where we both giggle and nod thoughtfully . . . . Criminally good!” Crimetime Award for Children’s Detective of the Year 2022

Format Your Price Add
978-1-77657-566-4
$14.24
978-1-77657-570-1
$23.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 1 - Grade 4
Reading Level Grade 3
Category SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2024
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Gecko Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 112
Publication Date 2024-04-02
Text Type Fiction—Humor
BISACS JUV013030, JUV021000, JUV045000
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.75 x 8
Features Original artwork, Reviewed, Starred Reviews, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Anders Sparring

Anders Sparring writes children’s books and is a screenwriter for many popular television shows. He is also a stand-up comedian. He lives in Sweden.

Illustrator: Per Gustavsson

Per Gustavsson is an illustrator and author living in Stockholm, Sweden. His bestselling books are translated to several languages.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

The Pinchers

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Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

“Sure to resonate with anyone who’s felt like the odd one out.”—Kirkus Reviews

Foreword Reviews

“Appealing and playful . . . A family engages in cheerful criminality while their youngest makes vain efforts to tell the truth in the delightful caper novel The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist.”—starred, Foreword Reviews