When Agnes Caws

Reach for this book when your child is starting to recognize their own unique quirks or talents and needs to see how those 'odd' skills can become their greatest strengths. It is a perfect choice for the young naturalist who prefers the company of animals or the child who loves to play with sound and voice. This Victorian-inspired adventure follows Agnes Peregrine, a girl whose incredible bird-calling ability saves a rare species from a greedy collector. While the story is full of humor and absurdist caricatures, it carries a meaningful message about conservation and standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves. The whimsical illustrations and rhythmic bird sounds make it an engaging read-aloud that feels like a classic adventure movie. Parents will appreciate the way it celebrates a child's agency and their ability to outsmart a 'dastardly' villain through wit and talent rather than force.