Stop That Thief! by Laurel Nebel

Eleven year-old Henrietta is angry at the world. Angry that her father was killed, angry that her mother moved her and her younger brother, Timothy, to London, angry most of all that she couldn't bring her dog along. Today, Henrietta's mother, Diane, wants to buy school uniforms. Henrietta could care less, and talks her mother into letting her shop for groceries, instead. When Henrietta leaves her bags on a bench in Sloan Square, a mangy mutt swipes a bag of rolls. The dog escapes and the chase is on. The complications that ensue make for high adventure. The stray belongs to a street boy who plays a penny-whistle for coins by day and lays up nights in a derelict mansion. Abandoned apartments next door are used by petty crooks who have burglarized neighborhood flats, including Henrietta's home. Convinced that she knows one of the thieves, Henrietta recruits her brother and the street boy, Adam, in a risky, zany plot to trap the gang. With last minute luck, and an assist from the stray, Muttley, the three youngsters "net" the crooks and recover Diane's most prized possession, a precious locket and photograph of Henrietta's and Timothy's deceased father.

The engaging children and strong action-line play against a fabulous English setting of shops and characters in Chelsea, Sloane Square and Knightsbridge. Kindly Mr. Cobb, the butcher, a supporting character, is a particularly memorable person for his size, kindness and understanding.

Laurel Nebel is the author of "Iron Road Home". She is a fine artist as well, with a sensitive spot for children. And she is an activist in nurturing and recognizing youngsters' creative writing efforts. With her husband, she sponsors a host of writing awards. The Nebels live in Washington State.