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Leave It to Plum!: A Heartwarming Zoo Adventure of Friendship, Humor, and Kindness--An Exciting Summer Reading Book for Children
“An instant hit.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “A splendid hullabaloo at the zoo.” — Booklist “A buoyant tale.” — School Library Journal When a small mammal with an oversized ego tries to take over the zoo, just leave it to the big-hearted peacock Plum to save the day! From award-winning author Matt Phelan, the creator of Knights vs. Dinosaurs and its two sequels, Leave It to Plum! is a highly illustrated young middle grade novel perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere. Young Plum is one of the peacock ambassadors for the Athensville Zoo. Every day the peacocks are allowed to wander freely among the zoo’s visitors, delighting and guiding kids and grown-ups alike. The peacocks are very proud of their responsibility; none so much as kind, curious Plum. But Itch the ningbing—a type of very small marsupial—doesn’t understand why those birdbrains should get so much freedom while he’s all cooped up. So he plots and plots, sure that he will escape and become the zoo ambassador! With short chapters and energetic black-and-white illustrations, award-winning author Matt Phelan’s Leave It to Plum! is a highly illustrated young middle grade novel full of warmth and humor. The first hilarious story in a series about a young peacock with a big heart, a small mammal with a big ego, and the busy zoo they both live in is perfect for fans of the Princess in Black and Mercy Watson series.
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2022
15 people are currently reading
3272 people want to read
About the author
Matt Phelan
53 books273 followersMatt Phelan made his illustrating debut with Betty G. Birney’s The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster). Since then he has illustrated many picture books and novels for young readers, including Where I Live by Eileen Spinelli (Dial), Very Hairy Bear by Alice Schertle (Harcourt), and The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron (Simon & Schuster) winner of the 2007 Newbery Medal.
Matt studied film and theater in college with the goal of one day writing and directing movies. But his first love was always drawing, and the more he saw the wonderful world of children’s books, the more he realized that this was the place for him. Being an illustrator is in many ways like being an actor, director, cinematographer, costumer, and set designer rolled into one.
Matt writes: “I have a fascination with the decade of the 1930s. The movies were learning to talk (and in the case of King Kong, growl), the music was beginning to swing, and the nation was thrown into tremendous turmoil. On one hand, you see a level of suffering documented in the dramatic and gritty photography of Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans. On the other hand, consider what the American public was flocking to see in the movie theaters: the glamour and grace of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing in a series of perfect musicals. For my first book as both writer and illustrator (coming in 2009 by Candlewick Press), I naturally gravitated to this complex decade, specifically the strange world of the Dust Bowl.”
Matt studied film and theater in college with the goal of one day writing and directing movies. But his first love was always drawing, and the more he saw the wonderful world of children’s books, the more he realized that this was the place for him. Being an illustrator is in many ways like being an actor, director, cinematographer, costumer, and set designer rolled into one.
Matt writes: “I have a fascination with the decade of the 1930s. The movies were learning to talk (and in the case of King Kong, growl), the music was beginning to swing, and the nation was thrown into tremendous turmoil. On one hand, you see a level of suffering documented in the dramatic and gritty photography of Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans. On the other hand, consider what the American public was flocking to see in the movie theaters: the glamour and grace of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing in a series of perfect musicals. For my first book as both writer and illustrator (coming in 2009 by Candlewick Press), I naturally gravitated to this complex decade, specifically the strange world of the Dust Bowl.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 12, 2022
When a small and unusual marsupial plots to take over the world zoo, it's up to lovable peacock Plum and pals to save the day.
This is a fun and funny chapter book, with delightful illustrations by the author. I'm hoping it's just the first in a series of Plumish adventures.
And, while they may not all be egomaniacal tyrants, it's probably best to avoid ningbings.
You never know what they might be up to . . .
A hearty thanks to NetGalley and Greenwillow Books for the opportunity to meet Plum.
This is a fun and funny chapter book, with delightful illustrations by the author. I'm hoping it's just the first in a series of Plumish adventures.
And, while they may not all be egomaniacal tyrants, it's probably best to avoid ningbings.
You never know what they might be up to . . .
A hearty thanks to NetGalley and Greenwillow Books for the opportunity to meet Plum.
March 31, 2023
Cute and quick - didn't feel all that special to me.
November 8, 2022
In this amusing illustrated chapter book, Phelan introduces readers to Plum, an optimistic young peacock. Plum lives with a group of other peacocks at the Athensville Zoo. The peacocks consider themselves to be "official ambassadors to the zoo guests" whose job it is to "Mingle! Guide! Delight!" And Plum takes this motto to heart, although not always in ways that the other peacocks understand. Some of the peacocks, as well as some of the other animals, find Plum's optimism and enthusiasm annoying. On top of that, the peacocks have an unknown enemy who is plotting to overthrow them and take over the job of ambassador and guide. When all the peacocks except Plum end up caged and accused of robbing zoo guests, it's up to Plum to find a way to prove their innocence. While this book might not be for everyone, I found it truly amusing. I found myself laughing out loud at some of Plum's good-natured shenanigans. With some good friends and his own determination, Plum finds a way to save his family. I appreciated the fact that Plum's good nature even leads him to find a way to help the villain. Phelan has presented readers with a light, fun read with themes of friendship, goodness, and kindness shining through nicely.
June 28, 2022
First sentence: It was a fine, crisp morning at the Athensville Zoo. A peacock and an alligator were in the middle of a staring contest.
“You blinked,” said the small peacock named Plum.
“I haven’t blinked since Tuesday,” said the large alligator named Mike.
They stared.
And stared.
Premise/plot: Plum, our protagonist, is one (of many) of the peacock ambassadors for Athensville Zoo. Peacocks, as ambassadors, roam free in the zoo. But someone is mighty jealous, a small marsupial, a ningbing, named ITCH. He'll stop at nothing [insert evil laugh] to bring down the peacocks. If the zoo needs an animal ambassador it should be HIM. He comes up with a multi-faceted plan that is sure to succeed...or will it? Can Plum figure out what is going on and put an end to it???? Can he redeem the reputation of the peacocks and restore them to their rightful place?
My thoughts: This was a delightful animal fantasy. Plum is our main character, but, there is plenty of animal characters readers meet throughout the book...including a cat named JEREMY.
I enjoyed this illustrated chapter book very much. I found it charming and sweet but not too sweet! I would definitely recommend this one.
“You blinked,” said the small peacock named Plum.
“I haven’t blinked since Tuesday,” said the large alligator named Mike.
They stared.
And stared.
Premise/plot: Plum, our protagonist, is one (of many) of the peacock ambassadors for Athensville Zoo. Peacocks, as ambassadors, roam free in the zoo. But someone is mighty jealous, a small marsupial, a ningbing, named ITCH. He'll stop at nothing [insert evil laugh] to bring down the peacocks. If the zoo needs an animal ambassador it should be HIM. He comes up with a multi-faceted plan that is sure to succeed...or will it? Can Plum figure out what is going on and put an end to it???? Can he redeem the reputation of the peacocks and restore them to their rightful place?
My thoughts: This was a delightful animal fantasy. Plum is our main character, but, there is plenty of animal characters readers meet throughout the book...including a cat named JEREMY.
I enjoyed this illustrated chapter book very much. I found it charming and sweet but not too sweet! I would definitely recommend this one.
December 9, 2023
Do zoos count as amusement parks? I'm gonna say yes and add this to my "Amusement Park" shelf.
Plum is a peacock at a zoo that allows peacocks to roam free and interact with guests. As someone who has read a novel this year that included a peacock name "Pretty Stabby," that feels like a stretch, but ok, I'll go with it. When a jealous ningbing (real thing) attempts to frame the peacocks for crimes that get them caged, it's up to Plum to save their friends - and their zoo.
I can see why this is a go-to book for my coworker Liz when recommending third grade chapter books. It's right on that border with first chapter and super accessible and fun. I really liked how well Phelan wrapped up loose plot ends; I didn't see the stories of the new zookeeper and the cat resolving as well as they did and it made me happy.
Plum is a peacock at a zoo that allows peacocks to roam free and interact with guests. As someone who has read a novel this year that included a peacock name "Pretty Stabby," that feels like a stretch, but ok, I'll go with it. When a jealous ningbing (real thing) attempts to frame the peacocks for crimes that get them caged, it's up to Plum to save their friends - and their zoo.
I can see why this is a go-to book for my coworker Liz when recommending third grade chapter books. It's right on that border with first chapter and super accessible and fun. I really liked how well Phelan wrapped up loose plot ends; I didn't see the stories of the new zookeeper and the cat resolving as well as they did and it made me happy.
December 22, 2024
A funny, lighthearted story about the power of friendship and community to overcome envy and spite. Give a copy to all the kids in your life! They'll thank you later.
June 11, 2022
This was a really sweet book about being different and how that is a good thing.
Plum is a peacock at the zoo, and along with all the other peacocks, is an ambassador and helps the visitors to the zoo everyday. Unfortunately, someone is V E R Y put out by all the peacock preening and sets out to change things up at the zoo. With the help of an adorable cat [who also gets a sweet happy ending], Plum sets out to help restore the order of the zoo and prove that different is good and that we can all live together in our differences.
Children of all ages will love this story and the cute illustrations and the timely lesson it tells.
Thank you to NetGalley, Matt Phelan, and HarperCollins Children's Book/Greenwillow Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Plum is a peacock at the zoo, and along with all the other peacocks, is an ambassador and helps the visitors to the zoo everyday. Unfortunately, someone is V E R Y put out by all the peacock preening and sets out to change things up at the zoo. With the help of an adorable cat [who also gets a sweet happy ending], Plum sets out to help restore the order of the zoo and prove that different is good and that we can all live together in our differences.
Children of all ages will love this story and the cute illustrations and the timely lesson it tells.
Thank you to NetGalley, Matt Phelan, and HarperCollins Children's Book/Greenwillow Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2022
Are y'all ready for me to read every kids book nominated for the 2023-2024 Texas Bluebonnet Award? BECAUSE I AM
This was very cute and a unique and engaging story. Pretty straightforward and short, an excellent Christmas gift for any 7-10 year old animal lovers in your life!
This was very cute and a unique and engaging story. Pretty straightforward and short, an excellent Christmas gift for any 7-10 year old animal lovers in your life!
June 6, 2022
Read here for CBR 14
Leave it to Plum
by Matt Phelan is the story of a "peppy purple peacock" & his trials & tribulations at the Athensville Zoo. Plum is a legacy - the however many times great grandson of the original zoo peacocks, given free wandering rights at the zoo, who are responsible for mingling, guiding & delighting the zoo's visitors. Plum's a great bird, if a little flighty (in the always late & a little scatterbrained way, not the bird way), who friends everywhere, and takes his duties - including toddler racing, selfie posing, & sign illuminating - very seriously. We also meet a grumpy ningbing named Itch, who feels like HE should be the zoo's ambassador, as opposed to those bird-brained & undeserving peacocks. With this in mind, he hatches a plot w/the squirrels to frame the peacocks & take their place.
Also, in case you were wondering, this is what a ningbing looks like. I could see them being troublemakers.
The book is written at an advanced early reader/beginning short chapter books level, and has enough rough, but humorous illustrations to keep things moving & to help readers at that skill level remain interested. Solving the mysteries of the zoo, while making essential new friends seems to come easily to Plum, and - in the end - his problem solving abilities save the day in more than one way. It's short, engaging & the hardest word to read in the whole book is ningbing, and that's just because it's rare enough to sound fake - my spellcheck certainly seems to have a problem with it. 4 stars
*My copy was provided for honest review by NetGalley.
Leave it to Plum
by Matt Phelan is the story of a "peppy purple peacock" & his trials & tribulations at the Athensville Zoo. Plum is a legacy - the however many times great grandson of the original zoo peacocks, given free wandering rights at the zoo, who are responsible for mingling, guiding & delighting the zoo's visitors. Plum's a great bird, if a little flighty (in the always late & a little scatterbrained way, not the bird way), who friends everywhere, and takes his duties - including toddler racing, selfie posing, & sign illuminating - very seriously. We also meet a grumpy ningbing named Itch, who feels like HE should be the zoo's ambassador, as opposed to those bird-brained & undeserving peacocks. With this in mind, he hatches a plot w/the squirrels to frame the peacocks & take their place.
Also, in case you were wondering, this is what a ningbing looks like. I could see them being troublemakers.
The book is written at an advanced early reader/beginning short chapter books level, and has enough rough, but humorous illustrations to keep things moving & to help readers at that skill level remain interested. Solving the mysteries of the zoo, while making essential new friends seems to come easily to Plum, and - in the end - his problem solving abilities save the day in more than one way. It's short, engaging & the hardest word to read in the whole book is ningbing, and that's just because it's rare enough to sound fake - my spellcheck certainly seems to have a problem with it. 4 stars
*My copy was provided for honest review by NetGalley.
July 5, 2022
Leave It To Plum! is an adorable picture chapter book that would be perfect for older elementary students. Our protagonist is a peacock named Plum who lives as a free range bird at the Athensville Zoo. Peacocks have served as the honorary ambassadors to the zoo patrons since the zoo was founded. The peacocks take their job very seriously and being each day with Mandatory Morning Meetings where they discuss their primary duties to mingle, guide, and delight the guests. While most people and animals are happy with this arrangement, there is a ningbing named Itch who is jealous that the peacocks walk freely about while he is contained in an enclosure. Itch hatches a plan with the squirrels to frame the peacocks by stealing items from the guests and leaving a peacock feather behind as evidence. Will the peacocks be forced into a pen or possibly removed from the zoo altogether. Will Itch become the new ambassador for the Athensville Zoo?
This book is a perfect read aloud for elementary school. Students will love listening to Plum's cheerful attitude and Itch's devious plot. Although this book appears to be just for fun (and there's nothing wrong with reading a book just for fun!), there are also messages about friendship, bullying, loneliness, and embracing one's differences. I loved the story and I hope that we get to read more about the adventures of Plum (and of course, Itch) at the Athensville Zoo. Perhaps each book could continue with Plum trying to find the perfect catch phrase when he says goodbye -- I liked tick tock peacock myself!
This book is a perfect read aloud for elementary school. Students will love listening to Plum's cheerful attitude and Itch's devious plot. Although this book appears to be just for fun (and there's nothing wrong with reading a book just for fun!), there are also messages about friendship, bullying, loneliness, and embracing one's differences. I loved the story and I hope that we get to read more about the adventures of Plum (and of course, Itch) at the Athensville Zoo. Perhaps each book could continue with Plum trying to find the perfect catch phrase when he says goodbye -- I liked tick tock peacock myself!
July 24, 2022
Phelan scores in this gentle, satisfying animal fantasy for beginning chapter book readers.
At the Athensville Zoo, it is the peacocks that walk around loose on the property, greeting and guiding visitors. Of all the peacocks, Plum is the peacock who is over the top optimistic and a friend to all. He greets the animals every and the human zookeepers everyday. Everyone loves the peacocks - except Itch the ningbing. (BTW, they are the world's smallest and fiercest marsupials in the world!) Filled with jealousy, Itch bullies several animals into helping him get the peacocks into trouble so he can welcome the visitors. Plum escapes from the "peacock pen" and finds the real thief.
Phelan imbues this short tale with plenty of heart. Lots of fun characters found here. Plum is a likeable hero - a friend to all. Itch is the ultimate bad guy. The lions are full of bravado - particularly when bullying Jeremy, the cat. It's a bonus that the animals save themselves here.
Phelan's black/white/gray artwork helps keep beginning readers engaged with puns and gags. The book opens with a diagram/map of the zoo; a close look will reveal to visual readers that the zoo is laid out in the shape of "A & Z" - for Athensville Zoo. Plum has huge eye-catching eyes, Itch is appropriately villainous, and Lizzie, the new zookeeper, looks appropriately overwhelmed.
This would make a wonderful readaloud for youngsters who love visiting the zoo.
Recommended for grades PreS - grade 3.
At the Athensville Zoo, it is the peacocks that walk around loose on the property, greeting and guiding visitors. Of all the peacocks, Plum is the peacock who is over the top optimistic and a friend to all. He greets the animals every and the human zookeepers everyday. Everyone loves the peacocks - except Itch the ningbing. (BTW, they are the world's smallest and fiercest marsupials in the world!) Filled with jealousy, Itch bullies several animals into helping him get the peacocks into trouble so he can welcome the visitors. Plum escapes from the "peacock pen" and finds the real thief.
Phelan imbues this short tale with plenty of heart. Lots of fun characters found here. Plum is a likeable hero - a friend to all. Itch is the ultimate bad guy. The lions are full of bravado - particularly when bullying Jeremy, the cat. It's a bonus that the animals save themselves here.
Phelan's black/white/gray artwork helps keep beginning readers engaged with puns and gags. The book opens with a diagram/map of the zoo; a close look will reveal to visual readers that the zoo is laid out in the shape of "A & Z" - for Athensville Zoo. Plum has huge eye-catching eyes, Itch is appropriately villainous, and Lizzie, the new zookeeper, looks appropriately overwhelmed.
This would make a wonderful readaloud for youngsters who love visiting the zoo.
Recommended for grades PreS - grade 3.
March 26, 2022
The Athensville Zoo has a long tradition--since the first owner/zookeeper's pet--of having free-range peacocks as ambassadors. They greet guests, pose for photos, and chat with the other animals.
But, sometimes people get set in their ways, grumble, and question whether so much freedom is really worth the trouble.
Plum is a bright, cheerful, and peppy peacock. He speaks up with ideas, arrives at morning meetings juuuust barely on time, and annoys the elder leader.
Fortunately for everyone, Plum is also very friendly, outgoing, and a loyal friend. They will soon depend on his detective skills and bright nature to save the entire flock!
This story is cheerful, delightful, and fun. I could almost picture Plum skipping his way from one friend to another, greeting and well-wishing. And he helped improve several lives, just because he cared!
A wonderful story of friendship, hope, and not giving up. This story is for all ages, including young children, teens, and adults. (Great as gifts with a personalized note!) *We all dislike fake cheerfulness, but true caring like Plum's, melts our defenses and opens us up to a better life!
5/5 Stars Highly recommended!
Thanks to Harper Collins Children's Books and NetGalley for the preview of this in ebook form; the review is voluntary.
#LeaveIttoPlum #NetGalley
But, sometimes people get set in their ways, grumble, and question whether so much freedom is really worth the trouble.
Plum is a bright, cheerful, and peppy peacock. He speaks up with ideas, arrives at morning meetings juuuust barely on time, and annoys the elder leader.
Fortunately for everyone, Plum is also very friendly, outgoing, and a loyal friend. They will soon depend on his detective skills and bright nature to save the entire flock!
This story is cheerful, delightful, and fun. I could almost picture Plum skipping his way from one friend to another, greeting and well-wishing. And he helped improve several lives, just because he cared!
A wonderful story of friendship, hope, and not giving up. This story is for all ages, including young children, teens, and adults. (Great as gifts with a personalized note!) *We all dislike fake cheerfulness, but true caring like Plum's, melts our defenses and opens us up to a better life!
5/5 Stars Highly recommended!
Thanks to Harper Collins Children's Books and NetGalley for the preview of this in ebook form; the review is voluntary.
#LeaveIttoPlum #NetGalley
June 7, 2022
Leave it to Plum, by Matt Phelan, is a fun middle grade book featuring a dreamer, who just wants to welcome everyone to the Athensville Zoo and to be one of the official ambassadors to the zoo guests. Plum comes from a long line of peacocks who take their duties seriously.
So far, all Plum has had to deal with is being late to the Mandatory Morning Meeting of the Athensville Zoo Peacocks, and enduring the glares of Hampstead, the head peacock. But things are going to get a little tougher for these colorful birds. Guests start to report missing items. Their only clue? A peacock feather. The peacocks are locked up, and only Plum managed to escape imprisonment. That means it’s up to him to solve this mystery. But can he do it before the peacocks are ridden out on a monorail?
This book was a fun read. Plum is a delightful character, and the friends he makes along the way bring the whole story to a fantastic conclusion. There were many hilarious moments where I laughed out loud. The illustrations are charming and add a lot to the story. You will also get a bonus as kids can learn about some animals that aren’t too common. I had not heard of a ningbing, which is an adorable Australian marsupial. All around, a great read to share with you kids. Enjoy!
(I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.)
So far, all Plum has had to deal with is being late to the Mandatory Morning Meeting of the Athensville Zoo Peacocks, and enduring the glares of Hampstead, the head peacock. But things are going to get a little tougher for these colorful birds. Guests start to report missing items. Their only clue? A peacock feather. The peacocks are locked up, and only Plum managed to escape imprisonment. That means it’s up to him to solve this mystery. But can he do it before the peacocks are ridden out on a monorail?
This book was a fun read. Plum is a delightful character, and the friends he makes along the way bring the whole story to a fantastic conclusion. There were many hilarious moments where I laughed out loud. The illustrations are charming and add a lot to the story. You will also get a bonus as kids can learn about some animals that aren’t too common. I had not heard of a ningbing, which is an adorable Australian marsupial. All around, a great read to share with you kids. Enjoy!
(I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.)
July 24, 2022
This is a very cute beginning chapter book about a zoo. This is a rather special zoo because the peacocks roam free to welcome and entertain the human visitors. Plum is the star of our book and he is a most entertaining and intelligent peachick. The peacocks take their job of welcoming seriously and they do a great job but unbeknownst to them -- one of the small rodents in the zoo is quite jealous of their popularity. His name is Itch and he is a ningbing. Never heard of a ningbing? Me either! It is a small carnivorous marsupial from Australia. Itch wants to rule the world, I think. Think kind of a combination of Pinky and Brain... He plans a plot to usurp the peacock population! Fortunately, Plum has made friends with Lizzie, a new zoo employee. And a local stray kitten named Jeremy. Together they all solve many problems in this book! And lean a few lessons along the way.
Because all of the animals talk to each other, I think this would make a great read-aloud for kids as young as four. The chapters are pretty short and there are illustrations. A fun read before or after a trip to the local zoo.
Because all of the animals talk to each other, I think this would make a great read-aloud for kids as young as four. The chapters are pretty short and there are illustrations. A fun read before or after a trip to the local zoo.
June 21, 2023
Peacocks roam freely at the Athensville Zoo. They are regal representatives to all the visitors. But Plum, isn’t so regal. He’s rather rambunctious and talkative. And the Ningbing named Itch—-a mouselike creature from Africa— wants to put him and all the other peacocks in their place—-behind bars like he is. Meanwhile, a new zookeeper Lizzie is getting to know Plum during the day. And a stray cat named Jeremy is getting to know Plum at night. When the peacocks are accused of being nuisances in the zoo and put in a cage, Plum is the only one with the connections to find out what is going on and try to free the peacocks. If you love Unusual Chickens, Bad Kitty, or Terrible Twos, you’ll love this funny, goofy, part comic/part novel!
August 2, 2022
At the Athensville Zoo, the peacocks are allowed to walk amongst guests to "mingle, guide, [and] delight." Plum loves his job and thinks he gets along great with all the animals. One day a bunch of items stolen from guests are found piled where the peacocks hang out. The peacocks are put in a temporary closure until the situation can be resolved, but none of the peacocks did it. Who would frame them? Since Plum is the only peacock that wasn't rounded up into the enclosure, it's up to him to work together with other animals to solve the mystery. If kids liked the Amos McGee books, then this is a great shorter juvenile fiction book for them!
February 1, 2024
All is not well at the Athensville Zoo! The zoo's ambassador peacocks have been rounded up and put in a pen, suspected (and framed) in a series of thefts. The effervescent Plum escapes the round up and knows her flock is innocent, but how does she prove it?
This early chapter book by popular children's author/illustrator Matt Phelan is part of a series featuring Plum and her zoo friends. The concept is fun, and the spirited writing and illustrations will appeal to early elementary readers in grades 2-4.
I would recommend this book for purchase by school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
This early chapter book by popular children's author/illustrator Matt Phelan is part of a series featuring Plum and her zoo friends. The concept is fun, and the spirited writing and illustrations will appeal to early elementary readers in grades 2-4.
I would recommend this book for purchase by school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
May 2, 2022
Plum can be a bit, shall we say, enthusiastic and naive, but that also makes them endearing. Plum is a peacock at the local zoo. Plum and their peacock friends and family wander freely throughout greeting guests. Until one day peacock feathers have been found at the scene of several crimes within the zoo. Plum cannot imagine anyone in the zoo trying to frame them, but Plum soon learns that sometimes things are not what they seem and not-so-good surprises can be around the corner. But then again, some very-good surprises can be too. Adorable black and white illustrations complete the tail, um, tale.
December 3, 2022
'Leave It to Plum!' with story and illustrations by Matt Phelan is a fun chapter book about a plucky hero.
Plum lives at the zoo and is part of the free range greeting that guests get when they visit Athensville Zoo. Itch the ningbing doesn't like the peacocks and wants to take over, so he enlists some help to frame the peacocks and take over. Plum investigates and makes friends along the way.
This book made me smile and I loved the characters. Plum is really a likeable character to root for and the illustrations are great!
Plum lives at the zoo and is part of the free range greeting that guests get when they visit Athensville Zoo. Itch the ningbing doesn't like the peacocks and wants to take over, so he enlists some help to frame the peacocks and take over. Plum investigates and makes friends along the way.
This book made me smile and I loved the characters. Plum is really a likeable character to root for and the illustrations are great!
April 28, 2023
2022 Cybils Early Chapter Book finalist
I enjoyed this little tempest in a friendly zoo, with the cushy job the peacocks have as zoo ambassadors threatened by a jealous rival. The tiny interaction with reality (stray cat befriends peacock Plum and thereby befriends a lonely zookeeper and gets a home) worked well for me. And if Plum had a better sense of rhythm he'd had more luck getting his response to "In a while, crocodile" accepted. "In a clock tick tock, peacock" doesn't scan. Maybe just the shorter "in a clock's tock, peacock" would get more traction.
I enjoyed this little tempest in a friendly zoo, with the cushy job the peacocks have as zoo ambassadors threatened by a jealous rival. The tiny interaction with reality (stray cat befriends peacock Plum and thereby befriends a lonely zookeeper and gets a home) worked well for me. And if Plum had a better sense of rhythm he'd had more luck getting his response to "In a while, crocodile" accepted. "In a clock tick tock, peacock" doesn't scan. Maybe just the shorter "in a clock's tock, peacock" would get more traction.
August 18, 2023
I originally read this because it is a Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee for 2023-24, and I'm rereading it with one of my tutoring students. He's a boy between third and fourth grades, and is really enjoying it too! He also proudly informed me that it's part of a series, which delighted me.
If you want an upbeat, story with short chapters and some illustrations - a delightful main character and a worthy antagonist - look no further.
It would make a wonderful addition to 2nd through 4th grade classrooms.
If you want an upbeat, story with short chapters and some illustrations - a delightful main character and a worthy antagonist - look no further.
It would make a wonderful addition to 2nd through 4th grade classrooms.
April 28, 2022
So cute! I loved the illustrations that go along with the story as Plum the peacock visits the different animals of the zoo (after him and the other peacocks, who once wandered the zoo grounds freely, are framed as thieves and locked up in a pen) trying to solve the mystery of who is truly responsible. I liked the rhythm of the writing and thought the end was adorable. A quick and fun read that made me laugh and smile.
This review is of an ARE I won in a Goodreads giveaway.
This review is of an ARE I won in a Goodreads giveaway.
June 30, 2022
Plucky Plum saves the day when the peacock ambassadors at a small zoo are framed for petty theft. This is a lightweight humorous tale that sits right on the edge between In-Between and regular fiction for elementary school children. There is some subtlety to the humor and some more sophisticated concepts are alluded to that make it fun for older children who are reluctant readers or just want a quick fun read. Would make a great read-aloud.
July 27, 2022
I'm imagining this book for 3rd and maybe 4th graders. It's a light-hearted chapter book about Plum, the most cheerful of the ambassador peacocks at the Athensville zoo. When one of the rodents gets jealous about the peacocks' role at the zoo, he masterminds a sophisticated plan. The rest of the story is kind of an Oceans 11 in the zoo. And the moral of the story is that your good deeds will come back to reward you. Short chapters, cute pictures every few pages.
November 2, 2022
Plum is a peacock is lives at the Athensville Zoo and he likes guiding humans around the grounds. Itch a ningbing believes he is better suited to be an ambassador for the zoo, so he devises a plot to frame the Plum and the other peacocks, so he can take over. Can Plum save the day? A fun amusing story that would make a perfect bedtime read along for those 5 to 8 years old or a perfect chapter book for newly confident readers who like animal stories and short chapters.
January 25, 2023
This book is on the 2023 Texas Bluebonnet list so I decided to check it out so I can recommend it (or not) to students. This chapter book is good for beginning readers because the chapters aren't too long and there are pictures interspersed throughout out. I enjoyed the story and it had some good reminders about being a good friend. This book inspired me to do some research because I had never heard of a ningbing before. All in all a cute little story that any animal lover will enjoy.
February 13, 2023
Plum the peacock is relentlessly chipper and cheerful. Itch the ningbing is grumpy and doesn't see why the peacocks all get to roam free and be friendly ambassadors to the visitors. So Itch hatches a dastardly plan to get rid of the peacocks. Is Plum too trusting of others to make a good detective and figure out who framed the peacocks? Add this to the list of books featuring animals who dream of taking over the world.
March 15, 2023
Cute little easy chapter book starring the citizens of the Athensville Zoo. Effervescent Plum is part of the peacock greeting squad and takes her duties as zoo ambassador very seriously. However, Itch, a rare ningbing (look it up - I might see one next month on a vacation to its native land) wants the job for himself and hatches a nefarious plan. Crimes ensue and Plum needs to clear the guilty’s name. Nice side characters, lovely ending. Looking forward to more Plum adventures.
July 5, 2023
A zoo tale worth reading! I appreciate the length of this book--it is a perfect size for students wanting a chapter book but not quite ready for 100s of pages. The main character Plum, with the help of his new friend Jeremy, save the day for the peacocks! I am looking forward to sharing this book with my students when the new school year starts! A good selection by the Texas Library Association's Bluebonnet Committee!
September 7, 2022
Cute first chapter book about a peppy purple peacock named Plum who lives at the Athensville Zoo. When a naughty ningbing named Itch tries to frame the peacocks for a crime spree at the zoo, Plum not only saved the day but shows kindness to Itch and helps him find a way to be happy too. Along the way he befriends a stray cat and a lonely zookeeper and brings them together for a happy ending.
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