Bats in the Garbage — Sharon Jennings

The two charter members of the Bat Club (Bats and Burglars and Bats out the Window) have to make some money fast. Sam and Simon aren't about to walk dogs or put up a lemonade stand. So the two friends embark on a unique enterprise instead - compost tea! All they need is their backyard compost bins, a shovel and some jars. Add some boiling water and the boys have the perfect product for indoor plant lovers everywhere.

Once they set up business at the weekly market in town, the money comes rolling in. But after a big day at the market, the boys discover that their moneybox is empty. Somebody has stolen the proceeds! It isn't long before Sam and Simon figure out who is responsible - Mrs. Hook, their crazy neighbour who dresses like a pirate to scare kids off her yard. She was hanging around the market, and their compost tea stand all day. An evening of close surveillance of Mrs. Hook's activities confirms the boys' suspicions. And they discover that the old woman has more than just their compost-tea money. The boys are eager to expose the thief; after all, they've foiled crooks and been heroes before.

This time, however, Sam and Simon are going to have to come up with a plan that will not only expose their enemy but will recover all the missing money. Will our intrepid heroes prevail?

A fun and fast-paced story for young readers ready for chapter books, Bats in the Garbage is a great stand-alone adventure as well as a solid follow-up to Bats and Burglars and Bats Out the Window.