Pigeon P.I.

Murray Pigeon has retired . He is no longer investigating crimes; or that’s what he says. Then the Kid (aka Vee) in her jaunty black beret turns up with a tale of birdnapping. Even this does not tempt Pigeon P.I. But when she disappears, it is time to take action.

This is not a picture book for the youngest, perhaps – though hard-bitten Mums and Dads should appreciate it as a bedtime read. McLaren references the mean streets of the Chandler novels in her laconic text which mixes speech bubbles, details within the illustrations and the storyline told by Pigeon, himself. Her attractive soft-toned illustrations are inseparable from the storytelling and require the reader to explore each spread. And there is plenty to explore from the beginning to the final end papers. Jokes abound – the title itself will raise a smile – and young readers will quickly appreciate the partnership between Pigeon and the Kid. Not one to miss.