The Bird Caper by Victoria E. Pannell NEUF collection

Get ready for an enthralling adventure in middle-grade fiction with "The Bird Caper," the captivating debut in The Crows 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 hes 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 Brandons best friend, Josh.

As tensions mount and Brandons 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 Crows 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."