Pigeon P.I.
on Goodreads (326)
What’s inside...
Pigeon private investigator Murray just wants to take things easy, but when kind-hearted Vee starts to sing like a canary (after all, she is a canary) he can't hold out. Murray agrees to find the feather thief who has kidnapped her friends, but his change of heart comes too late as Vee herself has gone missing. Murray must now find the mysterious feather thief and save his new friend, or is her goose cooked? This clever and engaging picture book is a delightful and witty first look at the 'noir' detective genre for young readers. A pigeon private investigator emerges from retirement to track down a birdnapper with the help of his feathered friends. A cute chick reports the crime and makes herself useful enough to become a partner in the detective agency, which by the end of the book is back in business. The book includes comical directions for doing detective work.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Pigeon became a detective? What qualities make a good detective?
How do the other animals in the story help Pigeon solve the case? What does this tell us about teamwork?
What would you do if you were in Pigeon's place? How would you try to solve the mystery?
What lessons can we learn from Pigeon's adventure?
How do the illustrations help tell the story? Which image is your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explore the detective theme by asking them to think about what other mysteries Pigeon could solve next.
Discuss the values of teamwork displayed in the book, highlighting how each character contributed to solving the mystery.
Identify and talk about different emotions that Pigeon might be feeling at various points in the story, fostering empathy and emotional understanding.
Use the book's illustrations to deepen understanding by asking your child to describe what's happening and how the pictures add to the story’s narrative.
After reading, encourage creative thinking by asking your child to draw or write their own detective adventure for the Pigeon.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist, Pigeon P.I., diligently solves the mystery through persistence and determination, showcasing unwavering commitment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply persistence to their personal goals, whether in solving a problem or completing a task, understanding that perseverance often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Value of critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout the investigation, Pigeon P.I. demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills which are key in unraveling the mystery.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to approach problems thoughtfully and seek solutions in creative and logical ways in their day-to-day challenges.
Example Lesson: The significance of teamwork
Explanation: Pigeon P.I. collaborates with other characters to gather clues and solve the case, showing the beneficial outcomes of working together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common objectives, be it in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Understanding responsibility
Explanation: The detective, Pigeon P.I., takes responsibility for solving the case, demonstrating accountability for his role.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and commitments, such as completing homework or household chores.
Example Lesson: Developing empathy and helping others
Explanation: Pigeon P.I.'s quest to solve the case ultimately helps other characters in the story, promoting a sense of empathy and community service.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value of helping others and how their actions can positively impact the community around them.