Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start
For most readers, the ultimate starting point is Real Pigeons Fight Crime (2018). This book kicks off Andrew McDonald's most famous and beloved series, introducing the crime-fighting feathered squad. It establishes the tone, character dynamics, and humor that define his writing style. If you are reading with younger children who are just beginning their reading journey, start with Hello Twigs: Surprise! (2022), a graphic novel series designed for early readers.
The Real Pigeons Series in Publication Order
Co-created with illustrator Ben Wood, the Real Pigeons books follow a secret squad of pigeons that solve weird and wacky mysteries. While each book contains three self-contained mystery stories, they build a continuous story arc. Therefore, we highly recommend reading them in publication order:
- Real Pigeons Fight Crime (2018)
- Real Pigeons Eat Danger (2018)
- Real Pigeons Nest Hard (2019)
- Real Pigeons Splash Back (2019)
- Real Pigeons Peck Punches (2020)
- Real Pigeons Get Bready (2020)
- Real Pigeons Flex Feathers (2021)
- Real Pigeons Spy High (2021)
- Real Pigeons Duck Trouble (2022)
- Real Pigeons Stay Coo (2023)
- Real Pigeons Flap Out (2023)
- Real Pigeons Power Up (2024)
- Real Pigeons Bin Baddies (2025)
Hello Twigs Series: For Early Readers
Also illustrated by Ben Wood, the Hello Twigs series centers on a group of twig friends navigating big emotions, surprises, and friendship. Unlike the Real Pigeons books, the author has stated that there is no strict continuity or required reading sequence for the Hello Twigs series. You can pick up any book and start reading! However, if you prefer to follow their release sequence, the publication order is:
- Hello Twigs, Surprise! (2022)
- Hello Twigs, Let's Find Treasure (2022)
- Hello Twigs, How Are You Feeling? (2023)
- Hello Twigs, Time to Paint (2023)
- Hello Twigs, Puddle Party (2023)
- Hello Twigs, Look Who's Grumpy (2024)
- Hello Twigs, Ta-Daaa! (2024)
- Hello Twigs, What a Mess (2024)
Standalone Novels
Before achieving global success with his illustrated series, Andrew McDonald wrote two distinct middle-grade standalone novels:
- The Greatest Blogger in the World (2009): McDonald's debut novel. It follows Charlie Ridge, a young boy determined to become the ultimate blogger while navigating school, family drama, and his pet duck.
- Son of Death (2015): A dark comedy about Sod (Son of Death), a boy who discovers his family members are modern-day grim reapers using smart-phone-like scythes.
What to Know Before You Start
The Real Pigeons books are perfect for kids aged 5 to 8, bridging the gap between picture books and early chapter books with their highly visual, comic-like layout. The series has become a massive hit, translated into dozens of languages, and has a Nickelodeon screen adaptation in development. Hello Twigs is tailored for even younger readers (aged 3 to 6) who are starting to decode words and enjoy simple graphic formats. All of these series benefit significantly from the vibrant, expressive art style of illustrator Ben Wood, making the creative partnership a key element of the reading experience.