Once Upon a Crime (novel) facts for kids
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| Author | Michael Buckley |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Sisters Grimm |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Harry N. Abrams |
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Publication date
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2007 |
| Media type | |
| ISBN | 978-0-8109-1610-4 |
| Preceded by | The Problem Child |
| Followed by | Magic and Other Misdemeanors |
Once Upon a Crime is the fourth book in The Sisters Grimm children's fantasy mystery series. It was written by Michael Buckley and came out in 2007. The story follows young detectives Sabrina and Daphne Grimm. They meet characters from the famous play A Midsummer Night's Dream as they solve a magical mystery.
Contents
The Story Begins
Sabrina and Daphne Grimm's parents, Henry and Veronica, are still under a powerful sleeping spell. Their friend, Puck, a fairy, is very sick. He was hurt badly by a creature called the Jabberwocky. Puck needs help fast!
So, Granny Relda, Mr. Canis, Mr. Hamstead, and the girls take Puck to Faerie. This is the magical land where Puck's family lives. They hope he can get better there. Sabrina is super surprised to find out that Faerie is hidden right in the middle of her old home, New York City!
Puck's Royal Family
Things get even more complicated for Sabrina. She learns that Puck is actually the son of Oberon, the King of Faerie! It turns out Puck was sent away by his father a long time ago. King Oberon doesn't want to help Puck now, even though his son is very ill.
But King Oberon's wife, Queen Titania, convinces him to let Puck be healed. Soon after Puck's healing starts, something terrible happens. King Oberon is poisoned and dies! The Grimms quickly find themselves trying to solve a big mystery: who murdered King Oberon?
Solving the Mystery
At first, it looks like a fairy named Cobweb committed the crime. He runs away, which makes him seem guilty. But something about the whole situation doesn't feel right to the Grimms. They keep investigating.
During their search, Sabrina learns something surprising about her own mother, Veronica. Sabrina thought she knew everything about her mom. But she finds out Veronica wanted to be part of the Grimm family's special work. She wanted to help the fairytale community.
Surprising Secrets
The Grimm family also learns more about Puck's past. They discover he was once engaged to a pretty fairy named Moth. Moth seems to dislike Sabrina. She thinks Sabrina likes Puck.
Puck's healing process involves him resting in a special cocoon. This cocoon chooses Sabrina as its protector. This shows that Puck trusts Sabrina more than anyone else. Later, Moth asks Sabrina to do something special for Puck's cocoon. She gives Sabrina a drink, but it's poisoned!
As Sabrina feels pain, Moth reveals a shocking secret. She confesses that she was the one who poisoned King Oberon! Luckily, Puck wakes up from his cocoon just in time. He helps Sabrina get out of danger. He even puts her into a cocoon of her own so she can recover.
New Discoveries
Sabrina later emerges from her cocoon, feeling much better. She is eager to find out if Moth was part of a bad group called the Scarlet Hand. To her disappointment, Moth was not.
The girls, Granny, and Puck then find Veronica's journal. This journal has many notes about fairytale creatures. Mr. Diggs, also known as the Wizard of Oz, has the journal. He tells them that he put a special mark on King Oberon's body. Then, he sends a giant robot, shaped like the Wicked Witch of the West, to attack them. But the robot fails!
A New Beginning
After his father's funeral, Puck becomes the new leader of the fairies. He lets Sabrina give a speech to all the Everafters in New York. This speech was written by Sabrina's mother, Veronica. It encourages everyone to work together.
The Grimm family gets ready to leave Faerie. Sabrina feels a little sad when Puck doesn't come to say goodbye. But then she discovers he is coming home with them! He arrives riding on top of the witch robot! Sabrina tries to hide how happy she is that he's joining them.
