About the Author

Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood are the creators of the bestselling Real Pigeons series, and the beloved junior graphic novel series Hello Twigs (published as Twig Friends in North America). Their books together are published in 26 languages worldwide and have been recognised in numerous awards including Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards, Australian Book Industry Awards, and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. 
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Author Andrew McDonald loves writing stories that make kids laugh, wonder and leap into the air with surprise. Andrew is a regular presenter on the schools circuit, where he conducts writing workshops, talks about his life as an author and inspires kids to read, write, draw and be creative. He lives in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia with his partner and two young kids. 
 
Illustrator Ben Wood has illustrated over fifty books for children. He is drawn to stories that are funny and heartfelt, and his lively illustrations reflect his love for graphic novels and animation. When not in the studio, Ben speaks in schools and runs workshops about illustration. He lives in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. 
 

Reviews

‘With comic-style black and white illustrations throughout, it’s the energetic, exciting pictures that lead the Real Pigeons’ heroic exploits. The good guys are really good, the bad guys are really bad, the plots are really devious, and together they are absolutely hilarious.’ —BookTrust
 
‘When crime rears its ugly head, who better than pigeons to have on your side? A goofball farce… this episodic volume offers two other cases for the crime-busting birdies, and young readers will make quick work of them all. Totally coo!” —Kirkus Reviews
“Manic energy and flapstick comedy (get it?) ricochet through the chapters…. Dog Man and Inspector Flytrap fans are ideal readers for this perfectly absurd new series.” —Booklist
‘This is such a funny series with plenty of word play, hillarious visuals and graphic dialogue. Fans of Bad Guys, Investigators and the Treehouse series will be instant fans as will those who like quirky humour and rollicking fun.’ —ReadPlus
 
‘Text and pictures work together seamlessly, with comic sequences, graphic dialogue, funny captions, exuberant visual humour and word play. I can’t wait to witness more of the Real Pigeons’ ingenuity, bravery, teamwork, and general silliness.’ —Readings Books
 
‘The best thing is its funny! Andrew McDonald, the writer, and Ben Wood, the illustrator, work wonderfully well in keeping the laughs constant throughout the book. I can’t wait to keep reading this funny and fun series.’ ––Reading with a Chance of Tacos
 
‘Perfect for emerging readers who want action, hilarious hijinks, and crime-fighting mysteries.’ ––School Library Journal
 
‘Irresistible to reluctant readers!’ ––The Age and Sydney Morning Herald
 
‘REAL PIGEONS = REAL LAUGHS FOR REAL KIDS!” –– Sally Rippin, Australian Children’s Laureate and author of the Billie B Brown and School of Monsters series.
 
‘Not only did we cackle and giggle while reading, we also slept MUCH SAFER knowing that there were REAL PIGEONS out there fighting crime!’ ––Peter Helliar, comedian and author of the bestselling Frankie Fish series
 
‘I love that these books are appropriate for quite a large age range. Mr 10 started reading this series when he was six and fell in love with all the characters, so when this one turned up in the mail he grabbed it eagerly. He feels like he's grown up with Rock, Tumblr, Grandpouter and all the pigeon crew.’––Aussie Kids Books
 
REAL QUOTES FROM REAL KIDS! ‘Real Pigeons is really funny and very WEIRD. I have read it about 50 times.’ – Tom, 8 years old ‘The REAL PIGEONS make me laugh and the book is fun to read.’ – Caitlin, 7 years old ‘I love the Real Pigeons because they are adventurous, brave and they make me laugh.’ – Sam, 7 years old ‘All the pigeons make me laugh. When I see pigeons in the street now, I imagine what crimes they are trying to solve.’ – Fraser, 6 and ¾ years old ‘I also really love Rock’s pet twig, Trent. It is such a funny thing to have a pet twig.’ – Tom, 8 years old ‘I really loved Real Pigeons because it has humour with hints of heroism, realism and adventure.’ – Archie, 10 years old