The Stolen Songbird

In a 1959-set adventure novel by previous collaborators Eagle and Rioux (The Accidental Stowaway), aspiring gymnast Caro adores traipsing through Waterloo with her beloved rabbit, His Nibs, and her fashion maven best friend Horace. The 12-year-olds are especially drawn to an area known as the Rubbles, where they plan to construct a gym with help from Caro’s world-famous whistler mother when she returns from a South American tour. But when Caro’s other mother is called away, Caro is sent to stay with her dour great-aunt Mary, called Gam—who believes that children should be closely supervised and forbids His Nibs from accompanying Caro—and Gam’s sensitive young ward Albie. Caro manages her frustration over Gam’s rigidity by secretly caring for His Nibs and sneaking off with Albie to meet up with Horace. After Caro discovers a mysterious painting in her suitcase, she becomes embroiled in the machinations of a dangerous gang known as the Snakes. Stakes and tension ratchet ever higher across the central mystery, which is populated by an expansive, vividly rendered cast that cue as white save for Horace, who is Bajan. A meticulously drawn historical setting and layered depictions of the comfort of animal companionship and the benefits of free play further enliven this zesty, expertly paced caper. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. (Dec.)