Homer on the Case

A homing pigeon teams up with a parrot and their human owners to investigate an animal crime spree in this action-packed, illustrated detective story from Henry Cole.

Homing pigeon Homer and realizes something is afoul when he witnesses four-legged criminals stealing valuables from both animal and human members of his community. Having learned how to read, Homer models himself on his favorite newspaper comic detective, Dick Tracy—he's on the case!

With the help of new friend Lulu, a parrot who can speak, Homer tries to figure out how to communicate with humans about the threat in their midst. Can Homer and Lulu solve the case and capture the perpetrators?

New York Times-best-selling author-illustrator Henry Cole offers a middle grade mystery that will keep readers guessing."Engaging. . . The birds' exploits are surprisingly believable and enjoyable to follow in Homer's first-person narration. . . . Who doesn't love smart, friendly birds on a secret mission?" —Kirkus Reviews

"Chirpy. . . Cole (Brambleheart) richly imbues the narrative with sensory details. . . The expressive b&w pencil illustrations, rendered in panels evoking newspaper comics, heighten drama, tension, and humor." —Publishers Weekly

"Cole's gentle animal fantasies can always be depended upon, and this light mystery is just right for young readers. . . . Cole mixes humor with intrigue to keep the narrative bouncing along, and readers will get a kick out of the unusual detective team. . . Hand this to fans of Chris Riddell's Ottoline and the Yellow Cat (2008) and A. B. Greenfield's Ra the Mighty: Cat Detective (2018)." —BooklistHenry Cole has published almost 150 books for children, including those he has both written and illustrated, including Homer on the Case and The Somewhat True Adventures of Sammy Shine, and those he has illustrated, including bestsellers such as And Tango Makes Three and books by Julie Andrews Edwards and Harvey Fierstein. A former fourth grade science teacher who grew up on a farm, he is a popular presenter who dazzles audiences of all ages.