Release: April 1st, 2021
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company
Source: Publisher
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N
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Celebrated author and illustrator Henry Cole return with a page-turning mystery adventure about a homing pigeon and a parrot who team up to convince their humans to investigate an animal crime spree.
Homing pigeon Homer and his parrot friend Lulu learn something is afoul when they witness something strange. Four-legged criminals are stealing valuables from both the animal and human communities. Homer uses the sleuthing techniques he’s gathered from his favorite mystery comics. So he and Lulu track down the bandits but need human help to stop them for good. Can they find a way to communicate with their human keepers? And will it lead them to the culprits’ hideout to stop the thieves?
Award-winning author and illustrator Henry Cole deliver a fun, action-packed middle-grade novel. It will keep readers turning the page to find out if the crime-solving pigeon will get his guy. A supporting cast of animal and human characters forms a community that will have every reader wishing to join in the hunt.
Discussion guide available!
About the Author:
Henry Cole is the illustrator of more than ninety books for children, including bestsellers such as The Leprechaun’s Gold, Little Bo, and Tango Makes Three, in addition to many of his own books, such as A Nest For Celeste and Jack’s Garden. He lives in Florida.
Henry Cole is the illustrator of more than ninety books for children, including bestsellers such as The Leprechaun’s Gold, Little Bo, and Tango Makes Three, in addition to many of his own books, such as A Nest For Celeste and Jack’s Garden. He lives in Florida.
Homer on the Case Review:
A homing pigeon who solves a jewel-theft mystery? “Homer on the Case” turned out to be a delightfully fun story, and a reader of any age will surely enjoy it.
Firstly, I commend the author for writing such a creative tale. This book is quirky, unbelievable, imaginative, fun, and adventurous. You never know who is committing the crimes and why or how a flock of birds will solve the case when they cannot communicate with humans.
Homer is adorable in the lead, as he witnesses the crimes committed and tries to communicate to his owner to solve them. He has a beautiful bond with Otto, and I loved his friendship with Lulu. Lulu and Homer make an excellent detective pair, and I loved the scenes when they go into the sewers to investigate. Similarly, Otto and Charlotte also share a friendly company, and it was interesting to see how they try to communicate with their pets.
Moreover, the illustrations are breathtaking and add so well to the story! The black and white drawings are detailed and gorgeous, and I paused in between to admire them.
However, there were some characters who I wished were prominent in the storyline. For instance, I wish we had seen more of Carlos. He was an interesting character who appeared in the first half but somehow disappeared in the second half. Similarly, even the climax did not have an exciting end as I had hoped.
Nevertheless, that didn’t stop me from enjoying this novel. Overall, “Homer on the Case” is a fun, adventurous, middle-grade novel, and hopefully the start of a series! I hope the author writes more tales about Homer and other cases he might solve.
