Leave It to Plum!

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

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! School Library Journal called Leave It to Plum! a “buoyant tale for younger middle grade readers.” From award-winning author Matt Phelan, the creator of Knights vs. Dinosaurs, 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 responsibilities, 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 to 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 heart and humor. The first hilarious story about a young peacock with a big heart, a small mammal with a big ego, and the zoo they both live in is a must-have for fans of The Princess in Black and the Mercy Watson series.

About the Author

Matt Phelan is the creator of the graphic novels The Storm in the Barn (winner of a Scott O’Dell Award); Around the World; Bluffton; and the New York Times bestseller Snow White. He has been nominated for five Will Eisner Awards, including Best Writer/Artist and Best Graphic Album (for Bluffton). He is the author and illustrator of the picture books Pignic, Turtle Walk, Sweater Weather, and Druthers, and has illustrated many books for young readers, including Flora’s Very Windy Day, by Jeanne Birdsall; Marilyn’s Monster, by Michelle Knudsen; and The Higher Power of Lucky, winner of a Newbery Medal, by Susan Patron. He is also the author of Knights vs. Dinosaurs; Knights vs. Monsters; Knights vs. the End (of Everything); The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck; and Leave It to Plum! Matt Phelan lives in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.