🔍 2027 CSLP Theme: "Mysteries Await at Your Library" · Now booking 2027 & 2028 · See 2027 programs →
New for 2027 · Built for the CSLP theme
Something has been stolen — and the kids are the detectives. Joe plays Inspector Magic in a one-performer comedy magic whodunit packed with clue-hunting, audience participation, and surprises from the Inspector's briefcase.
Photos from the 2027 tour coming soon — be one of the first libraries to host it
Program overview
Inspector Magic is Funky Monkey's brand-new show created specifically for the 2027 CSLP theme, "Mysteries Await at Your Library." Something has gone missing from the library — and it's up to the audience to help Inspector Magic solve the case before the show is over.
It's an interactive, high-energy whodunit where comedy magic and detective storytelling come together. Every illusion uncovers a new clue, every kid is part of the investigation, and the case isn't closed until the whole room cracks it together.
What happens
Joe arrives as Inspector Magic to investigate a mystery at the library: something valuable has vanished, and every kid in the room is both a suspect and a detective. From the opening moment, the audience is pulled straight into the case.
Comedy magic doubles as detective work. Kids hunt for clues, call out theories, and help Inspector Magic examine the evidence — while a wanted poster transforms right before their eyes and oversized surprises keep coming out of the Inspector's briefcase.
The laughs build alongside the suspense, all the way to a full audience-participation finale where the room works together to crack the case — and every kid leaves feeling like the detective who solved it. (We'll never tell you whodunit. You'll have to see the show.)
Educational connections
Mystery is one of the strongest bridges to reading — and Inspector Magic is built to make that connection obvious. Solving the case calls on the exact skills that power literacy.
Pairs perfectly with: the Balloon Workshop (detective hats & magnifying glasses) as a hands-on follow-up. See all 2027 programming →
Show details
What librarians say
"We loved having Funky Monkey out for the Dinosaur Show — the kids were so engaged, and we hope all the shows across the system are going just as well!"— Jennifer Fuller, Youth Services, Eastern Oklahoma Library System
"Every show Joe brings is professional, high-energy, and perfectly calibrated for a library audience. He's on our short list every single year."— Kelsey Williamson, Youth Services, Norman Public Library East / Pioneer Library System
Photo gallery
Inspector Magic on the case — photos coming with the 2027 tour
Junior detectives examining the clues
The big reveal — case cracked!
Also available
It's brand new for 2027 and built for the theme — I expect it to book fast. We respond within 24 hours. Purchase orders and checks accepted. No payment required to hold your dates.
Tell us about your library and programs — we'll respond within 24 hours.
Thank you! We'll review your request and reach out within 24 hours to confirm availability and discuss your dates. We look forward to bringing the magic to your library!