The Bird Caper
Middle Grade Fiction

Get ready for an enthralling adventure in middle-grade fiction with the release of "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.
Critics have lauded “The Bird Caper” for its engaging plot and humor. The Wishing Shelf describes it as "a fast-paced, smartly plotted drama filled with twists, turns – and lots of humor. Highly recommended!"
The authors reflected on their creative journey in an interview and shared insights into their writing process. Sigfusson expressed his joy in discovering the unique voice that emerged from their collaboration, stating, "I learned her voice, and she learned mine. Together it resulted in a voice new to both of us..." Pannell highlighted their seamless partnership, saying, "I think how we have developed a rhythm in the way we go about writing together. It's rather magical."