A Case of Bird Problems (Zeb and Bel #1)

Elliott (The Real Riley Mayes) channels the anthropomorphic animalian absurdity of Bunnicula in this energetic graphic novel series launch. Black cat detective Bel and her scruffy dog brother Zeb (whose sleuthing skills are less refined than Bel’s) go on high alert when their neighbor, Payton Parakeet, goes missing in the middle of performing a magic trick with his brown-skinned human Carlo. After ruling out potential suspects, including “outdoor omnivore” cat Milo, the investigative duo set their sights on a human building resident whose high heels seem to match the prints they find at the crime scene. As they continue their inquiry, the animal siblings venture beyond the familiar comforts of their apartment courtyard. Human characters’ inability to understand their animal companions’ laugh-out-loud dialogue allows readers to feel like they’re in on the joke as they accompany the furry duo on their adventure. Bel’s dry yet cheeky case notes emphasize the pooch and feline’s unlikely closeness and highlight how relying on each other’s differences and individual strengths—such as Bel’s practical, business-minded persona and Zeb’s free-spirited attitude—makes their partnership stronger. Human characters are depicted with various skin tones. Ages 8–12. Agent: Susan Hawk, Upstart Crow Literary. (Jan.)