Twitch by MG Leonard

Can a birdwatcher outwit an escaped convict?

Twitch has three pet chickens, four pigeons, swallows nesting in his bedroom and a passion for birdwatching. On the first day of the summer holidays, he arrives at his secret hide to find police everywhere: a convicted robber has broken out of prison and is hiding in Aves Wood. Can Twitch use his talents for birdwatching to hunt for the dangerous prisoner and find the missing loot?  

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This is a fun, clever, fast paced read about a young boy. Bullied in school for being small and quiet, Twitch takes comfort in the birds he watches and his friendly neighbour. His plans to spend the summer in blissful, birdwatching solitude are disrupted by the escape of the notorious killer and bank robber, Robber Ryan! (And by the bully who wants to kick his head in, but that's a minor point.) Can Twitch use the skills he's honed over years of bird watching to bring Robber Ryan to justice? (And save his head?)

This is so funny. I really enjoyed it. At the same time, it doesn't shy away from topics important to kids like bullying and ecology; it faces them head on and acknowledges them. There's a lot of knowledge in here as well, hidden away in the story ... I won't be surprised if kids want to find out about keeping chickens and growing allotments and bird watching after reading this!

I loved watching the rally at the end, and Twitch's murmuration plan was amazing. This could be a fantastic TV special. I'd love to watch it on screen! But reading it was amazing too, and I really enjoyed it, and I think kids will really enjoy.

A fantastic read.

Twitch publishes on the 3rd of June, 2021. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.