The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers

Something is happening in the forest. The trees are disappearing. The forest animals are all innocent.

"They all had a solid alibi ... so the tree thief must be someone else."

The animals decide to investigate. Beaver is the detective, deer will be the judge and pig will be the prosecutor. Meanwhile it is time for the 112th biennial paper airplane competition. The animals have not noticed bear who seems to be making and unsuccessfully flying paper airplanes. Is the loss of the trees connected with bear and with this competition?

This is an enjoyable story and there are wonderful extra details in the illustrations but I wish the ecological message was a little stronger. Bear has chopped down so many precious trees and yes it is good to see him making amends and planting replacements but using seeds and tiny saplings mean this process will take many years perhaps even decades. Kirkus agree saying "the story’s message is a bit convoluted, mixing themes of forgiveness, eco-consciousness and teamwork."

You can see a video of this book here. The Great Paper Caper was first published in 2008 but it is still available in paperback. Here are some review comments:

The book doesn’t have quite the same emotional grip of Lost and Found, Jeffers’s best book to date. However, there is much to be said for a picture book as thoroughly amusing and enjoyable as this. If you happen to be in need of a good winter mystery, particularly one that the small tots reading with you will be able to solve on their own, I can’t think of a better title to hand you. Purely enjoyment from start to finish. Fuse8 SLJ Betsy Bird

I really enjoyed this book, and I like the way it is told very seriously, but is very funny. It's best for older toddlers, who will take the time to look properly at all the pictures with you, or better still with older children still who can fully appreciate the humour. The police line up made me laugh out loud, and there are other very funny moments throughout. It's a cleverly thought out, and beautifully drawn story. Definitely recommended! The Book Bag

Here are many different covers plus the little board book edition: