book cover

Dave Pigeon (Racer!)

by Swapna Haddow, illustrated by Sheena Dempsey

Interest age: 6 to 10
Reading age: 7+

Published by Faber & Faber, 2018

  • Funny

About this book

Dave Pigeon needs his wing fixed, so it’s off to Pawsville Pets for him and Skipper, who’s just going to keep him company (and type up their adventure, as usual). The two pigeons aren’t quite sure what to make of the vet's, but Jet the dog, Gary the hamster and the gang soon make them feel at home while Dave gets his new prosthetic wing fitted.

However, Opprobrious Vastanavius, a rather unpleasant pigeon, challenges Dave to a flying contest, and Dave can’t say no. But flying with his new wing isn’t going to be easy – even with help from Dave’s dad, famous racing pigeon Mickey Lightning. And what is it that Mickey isn’t telling Dave?

The third book in the brilliantly funny Dave Pigeon series continues its light-hearted focus on friendship and the trials and tribulations younger children can face. In this instalment, Dave and Skipper have to face a too-cool-for-school gang of other animals at Dazzle, a far fancier vet’s down the road, and Dave realises that perhaps his dad is just human – or, pigeon – like everyone else. The humour is silly and full of punny jokes, and the final message about believing in yourself is perfect for younger children.

About the author

Londoner Swapna Haddow is the award-winning children's author of the Dave Pigeon series. She loves to write about boisterous animals that cause mayhem and is working to make sure mean cats, grizzly bears and big-hearted little rabbits find their place on the bookshelves. Friendship and humour are always at the heart of what Swapna loves to write.

Her first published book, Dave Pigeon, illustrated by Sheena Dempsey, received rave reviews and went on to win three regional awards in the UK and was shortlisted for the prestigious Sainsbury's Children's Book Award. The series is based on two pigeons who find themselves battling predators in an array of madcap scenarios, all the while proving that friendship and teamwork can defeat anything. Swapna now lives in New Zealand with her husband, son and their dog, Archie.

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