Overview

"Get ready for an enthralling adventure in middle-grade fiction with ""The Bird Caper,"" the captivating debut in The Crow's Tales series by Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson. This delightful new novel, a tale of unexpected twists and burgeoning friendships, is set to steal the hearts of young readers everywhere. Brandon, a ten-year-old boy, is devastated when his parents decide to sell their house, uprooting him from the only home he's ever known. The prospect of moving away from his friends and beloved pet crow, Ralph, is more than he can bear. But things take a wild turn when Ralph is accused of terrorizing a neighbor girl and stealing a computer chip belonging to Brandon's best friend, Josh. As tensions mount and Brandon's life spirals out of control, he finds himself at odds with the neighborhood bullies, the infamous B.B. Boys. Accusations against Ralph escalate when the gang claims the crow has flown off with their prized silver whistle. Amidst the chaos, Brandon discovers an unexpected ally in the form of ladybugs, leading to a surprising resolution that teaches him that change, while daunting, can also open doors to new friendships and adventures. Pannell and Sigfusson, celebrated authors of middle-grade fiction, bring their combined talents to ""The Bird Caper,"" the first book in The Crow's Tales series. Pannell, a former schoolteacher turned public relations expert, and Sigfusson, a retired architect with a passion for writing, have garnered acclaim for their imaginative storytelling. Their second book, ""The Big Dream,"" has already received recognition as a Red Ribbon Winner in the 2024 Wishing Shelf Book Awards and was a finalist in the Readers' Choice Book Awards 2024. Today, readers can join Brandon and Ralph on their thrilling adventures and find out just how powerful the bonds of friendship can be... in ""The Bird Caper."""

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9781964064000

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"""Friendships, humor, and a young boy's touching bond with a free-flying crow make this story soar."" ""...Brandon won't have to change schools. Still, he's lonely not knowing anyone in the new neighborhood-except, horror of horrors, for the BB Boys, the bullies who terrorize kids at his school. Ringleader Howie's taunting ""Look. It's the Bird Boy!"" portends worse to come, so Brandon plans to ask Josh to help him make friends with the BBs so they'll leave him alone. (Brandon's mom is portrayed as realistically alert to her son's anxiety, but he fears that her intervention would make things worse.) Three new friends try to help, too, without success. Even worse, Howie accuses Ralph of stealing his prized silver whistle. In this lively, engaging middle-school novel, the authors weave a satisfying resolution to the conflict that includes another missing shiny object, an elderly woman (adding a poignant touch), Brandon's ladybug-raising project (relayed in enough detail to interest any budding entomologist), and a believable evolution of Brandon's empathy when he discovers that Howie has fears, too. Generous, well-crafted supplementary material includes a ""What Do You Think?"" section with questions inviting readers to respond before, during, and after reading; a ""Thinking Skills"" section with questions categorized via Bloom's taxonomy of high-level thinking (knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation); a guide to selected words used in the story; and an ""Authors' Chat"" interview."" Kirkus Book Review ""The Bird Caper is a must-read for children facing changes in their lives and for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, realistic adventure."" ""Moving can be a daunting experience for many children, often seen as a negative disruption. However, The Bird Caper beautifully illustrates how such transitions can be opportunities for growth and new friendships. Brandon's gradual adaptation process, narrated from his perspective, allows readers to deeply connect with his emotional journey. The plot is rich and engaging, covering various aspects of school, family life, and social interactions, providing a multifaceted view of Brandon's experience. The story's mystery elements add an intriguing layer to the narrative. Brandon's involvement in small but significant mysteries, like when Ralph the crow steals computer chips from his best friend, showcases his problem-solving skills and adds excitement to the plot. These episodes, while rooted in everyday occurrences, maintain a dynamic and relatable storyline that keeps readers invested in Brandon's adventures. While the plot revolves around the move, it remains lively and authentic, portraying real-life situations that children can easily relate to. Some might find the story's calm, realistic approach different from more fantastical tales, but this groundedness makes this book captivating and encouraging. It may even inspire young readers to embrace new experiences and challenges. Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson have crafted a delightful and engaging story that will undoubtedly capture the interest of young readers."" Literary Titan Book Review ""A fast-paced, smartly plotted drama filled with twists, turns - and lots of humour. Highly recommended!"" ""If you happen to be looking for a fun-filled family drama for a 9 - 12 year old, I'd highly recommend The Bird Caper. Accessibly written and packed full of twists and turns..."" Wishing Shelf' Book Review"

If you happen to be looking for a fun-filled family drama for a 9 - 12 year old, I'd highly recommend The Bird Caper. Accessibly written and packed full of twists and turns, it's the story of a young boy, Brandon, who suddenly discovers he's going to be moving house! From there on, his problems get bigger and bigger - his best pal isn't talking to him and his bird, Ralph, is accused of stealing! There were so many elements to this story I enjoyed. Firstly, Brandon is a FAB character; the sort of boy young readers will relate to and understand. Secondly, everything he's going through in the story, kids go through all over the world - change. But it's not often as scary as it seems. This is an excellent message for young readers. And, thirdly, the writing style (and the vocabulary) is perfect for middle grade readers - there's even a little humour in there too, which kids always love! So if you happen to be on the hunt for a cleverly plotted drama for a 9 - 12 year olds, I'd happily recommend The Bird Caper. There's plenty happening all of the time, and I think kids will enjoy rooting for Brandon (and his bird). All in all, an excellent read! A 'Wishing Shelf' Book Review What makes this book particularly suitable for middle-school students is its ease of reading. The language is accessible, yet not overly simplistic, striking a perfect balance that ensures comprehension while still challenging readers. This makes The Bird Caper an excellent tool for teaching plot structure and character development. Teachers and parents will find it a valuable resource for encouraging discussions about narrative elements and literary techniques. Middle School Vice Principal The Bird Caper: 'A fast-paced, smartly plotted drama filled with twists, turns - and lots of humour. Highly recommended! The Wishing Shelf One of the standout features of The Bird Caper is its richly drawn characters. Each character is thoughtfully developed and memorable. Middle school readers will easily relate to the main characters' adventures and challenges, finding a piece of themselves in their relatable struggles and triumphs. The authors have done a commendable job of creating characters that are not only engaging but also serve as excellent examples of personal growth and resilience. Vice Principal, Middle School

Author Information

Victoria Pannell is an award-winning author of middle-grade fiction. She grew up along the Jersey Shore near the beaches, boardwalks, and beauty queens. She's a former school teacher and a communications and marketing professional in the aviation industry. She didn't write her first novel until she was 73, living out a long-time dream. Her four grandchildren are now her inspiration to write. Victoria and Thorir received recognition for their debut novel, The Big Dream, as a finalist in the Readers' Choice Awards 2024. Thorir Sigfusson came to the United States from Iceland when he was twelve years old and recalls those years of transition and not knowing the language as a time of great adjustment in his young life. Today, as an award-winning author, Thorir creates relatable stories for middle-grade readers. He began writing after retiring from a long career as an architect. Thorir and Victoria received recognition for their debut novel, The Big Dream, as a Red Ribbon Winner in the 2024 Wishing Shelf Awards.

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