Pigeon P.I. (review #2), written by Meg McLaren, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Sophia S.
Summary: This fictional picture book is all about how Pigeon P.I. works alone- and has ever since his partner Stanley “...had skipped town”. He makes this clear when the budgie Vee asks him to help her find her stolen friends, two of many taken in a series of recent birdnappings. In the end Vee convinces the detective to help… just in time to get birdnapped herself! It becomes the job of Pigeon P.I. to find Vee, and all of the other missing birds in town, in this picture book mystery.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is certainly an entertaining book to read. It could be used to move younger readers towards an interest in mysteries or detective stories or spark a greater interest in reading in general. The story would be good for independent reading, due to the stylized text bubbles within the story. This speech bubble conversation would also be good for a lead into the graphic novel style and is a good way to show the mix between visual and written art and how it can be used in storytelling. The book is filled with colorful illustrations, in an endearing style, which pairs really well with the cute and funny story being told through Pigeon P.I.’s noir film-esque narration and character interactions. The illustrations also directly intertwine with the plot, assisting in providing evidence and helping make connections with the mystery. Beyond the contents of the book itself, the inside cover of the book includes quick detective themed activities for young readers, a neat detail that can help further fan the sparks of interest in mystery stories. Overall an endearing book that I would recommend for parents or classrooms with young readers in need of something entertaining and new to try.