It's a good thing young sleuths Lark and Connor Ba are always prepared because mysteries find them wherever they go.

Lark and Connor are excited to visit the local art gallery where some of their classmates have been invited to exhibit their paintings. But when their friend Franklin is accused of stealing Kyle's masterpiece, the twins are sure Franklin is being framed—especially because Kyle has been nothing but mean to Franklin. Now the detectives are in a race to prove their friend's innocence as they collect clues and sort through red herrings. Will this be Lark and Connor's first unsolved case and is their friend doomed to be painted with a guilty brush?

Includes bonus material as Lark shares the meanings behind her favorite words and idioms from the story. This is the sixth title in the Lark Ba Detective series, following Lark Has the Shivers, Lark and the Dessert Disaster, Lark Takes a Bow, Lark and the Diamond Caper and Lark Holds the Key.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

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Marcus Cutler is a freelance children's illustrator from Ontario, Canada. His work has appeared in magazines, books, apps and more and he has worked with a variety of clients including chickaDEE Magazine, OWL Magazine, Macmillan Publishers and Parks Canada. He is the illustrator of the Lark Ba Detective series, The Owl and the Two Rabbits and The Walrus and the Caribou. He lives in Tecumseh, Ontario.

Marcus Cutler's profile page

• Short-listed, The Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence - Best Juvenile or YA Crime Book

“Help emerging readers with understanding the story…Will appeal to fans.”

Children's Literature

“A realistic and funny character. Young readers will find the format inviting with the amusing black and white illustrations by Marcus Cutler and the short chapters and well-spaced text...The themes of problem-solving steps, bullying, persevering and appreciating differences provide relevant topics for discussion. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials