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.
Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir 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.
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 is rather magical."
The Bird Caper started as a modest 10,000-word story aimed at third graders. However, as the authors immersed themselves in the narrative, they expanded the tale to a robust 35,000-word middle-grade novel. Pannell and Sigfusson embraced the challenge of adapting the storyline, ultimately creating a richly layered adventure that resonates with older readers.
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!"
With “The Bird Caper” setting the stage, Pannell and Sigfusson are excited to continue the adventures of Brandon and Ralph in the upcoming books of “The Crow’s Tales” series. Their second book, “The Big Dream,” and the anticipated third installment, “The Crow’s Ring,” promise to deliver more captivating stories that will delight middle-grade readers.
“The Bird Caper” is now available on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and Kobo, with the hardcover and audiobook coming this summer. Readers can join Brandon and Ralph on their thrilling adventures and find out just how powerful the bonds of friendship can be.
About the Authors
Pannell and Sigfusson’s backgrounds are as diverse as their stories. Thorir Sigfusson, a retired architect, discovered his passion for writing later in life, finding joy in translating his artistic inclinations into words. Victoria E. Pannell, with her extensive experience in teaching and public relations, brings a nuanced understanding of young readers’ minds to their collaborative works. Together, they draw inspiration from their rich life experiences and grandchildren, who spark their creativity and drive their storytelling.
Media Contact
Company Name: Literary Titan
Contact Person: Victoria Pannell
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://pannellsigfusson.com/
