This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson are award-winning authors of middle-grade fiction. The Bird Caper is the first of their three-book-series, in The Crow’s Tales. The Big Dream, the second book in the series, received recognition as a Red Ribbon Winner in the 2024 Wishing Shelf Book Awards and was also chosen as a finalist in the Readers' Choice Book Awards 2024.
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.
Together, they’ve enjoyed living in different parts of the United States, including the nation’s capital, the mountains of Virginia, the Nevada desert, and now the Delaware coast. They have a daughter and a son, and four grandchildren. The couple lives with three small tropical fish.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Bird Caper by Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson is a middle-grade reader for 4th to 6th graders who love a good whodunit with a bit of mischief and a lot of heart. The story centers around ten-year-old Brandon, whose world is turned upside down when his parents announce they're selling their home. The prospect of leaving his beloved neighborhood and friends is daunting. Still, it gets even more complicated when his clever pet crow, Ralph, becomes entangled in bizarre bird-related incidents. As Ralph turns into the prime suspect, Brandon realizes he must act fast to clear his feathered friend's name and prevent losing more than just his home—his friendship with his best buddy, Josh, is also on the line.
What makes The Bird Caper such a fun read is the delightful mix of suspense and whimsy. Brandon's race against time to solve the mystery introduces a cast of quirky characters, from the obnoxious B.B. Boy bullies to the unexpected role of ladybugs in a plot twist that will surely surprise readers. Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson have done an excellent job of crafting a story that balances adventure and lightheartedness with underlying themes of friendship, loyalty, and problem-solving. Brandon’s determination and creativity in the face of adversity make him a likable and inspiring protagonist for kids. This book is perfect for the classroom because it’s lively, entertaining, and carries a positive message. There’s also a bonus teacher reading resources that offer some excellent “think” skills.
