Horace & Bunwinkle (Horace & Bunwinkle, 1)

Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming barnyard adventure with "Horace & Bunwinkle (Horace & Bunwinkle, 1)"! This delightful illustrated hardcover, the first in a captivating middle-grade series by debut author PJ Gardner, introduces an unlikely detective duo sure to charm readers of all ages. Illustrated with charming artwork by David Mottram, this book promises plenty of laughs, suspense, and heartwarming moments, perfect for fans of "Mercy Watson," "The Trouble with Chickens," and "A Boy Called Bat." Meet Horace Homer Higgins III, a Boston Terrier of refined tastes and anxieties. Dirt? Disgusting! The outdoors? A nightmare! Ducks? Unspeakable horrors! His comfortable, predictable life is upended when his beloved human, Ellie, relocates to a farm called the Homestead. But that's not all Ellie adopts Bunwinkle, a perpetually optimistic and undeniably cute potbellied pig, to be Horace's new "baby sister." Bunwinkle arrives at the Homestead with boundless enthusiasm, determined to win over the stuffy Horace. Shes certain her irresistible charm will crack his shell, especially after they bond over a shared love for a TV show featuring a canine pet-tective. Little does Horace know, his life is about to become a real-life mystery! When animals start mysteriously disappearing from the neighborhood, Horace and Bunwinkle decide to put their newly acquired detective skills to the test. Could a sneaky mountain lion be responsible? Or perhaps the suspiciously shot-loving local veterinarians are involved? This engaging mystery is full of twists and turns that will keep young readers guessing until the very end. With 208 pages of engaging text and delightful illustrations, "Horace & Bunwinkle" is more than just a mystery; it's a story about embracing the unexpected, overcoming anxieties, and discovering friendship in the most unlikely of places. The novel tackles themes of adaptation, acceptance, and the power of teamwork with humor and heart, making it a wonderful read-aloud or independent reading choice for young readers aged 8-12. Author PJ Gardner perfectly captures the voice of both characters, creating a relatable and engaging dynamic that will leave readers eager for the next installment in the series. Published by Balzer + Bray in 2020, this book is a must-have for any young readers library. It's sure to be a fast favorite that families will revisit time and time again. Don't miss out on the first installment of this captivating and endearing series. Get your copy of "Horace & Bunwinkle" today!