Zeb and Bel: A Case of Bird Problems
A Graphic Novel
Format:Paperback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Published:12th Mar '26
Should be back in stock very soon

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
The Secret Life of Pets meets Only Murders in the Building in this cozy mystery from award-winning graphic novelist Rachel Elliott.
Mysteries abound in Perpleck City, and it’s Bel the black cat’s first day as a detective…But unfortunately, there’s never a mystery to solve in the apartment building where she lives with her goofy dog brother, Zeb, and their human, Josephine. So when local prankster, Payton Parakeet, goes missing during a neighborhood magic show, Bel can’t wait to put her detective skills to the test. Is this just another one of Payton’s pranks, or perhaps…a case of fowl play?
As accusations begin to fly and the suspect list grows, Zeb and Bel must team up to get to the bottom of this feathery mystery. Hilarious hijinks, daring escapades, and flights of fancy are at the heart of this graphic novel that will keep you giggling and guessing on every page. (And if you keep your eyes peeled for clues as you read, you might even crack the case before Zeb and Bel!)
"A fun graphic novel with cute characters, recommended for mystery and animal lovers alike." — School Library Journal "An imaginative whodunit for aspiring young sleuths." — Kirkus Reviews Elliott’s illustrations are a perfect match for this lively and energetic story. Crisp lines and cheerful colors delightfully portray everything from Bel’s expression of shock while being bird-dived to Zeb’s playful poses as he vies for his whisker-sister’s attention. ?is first installment includes the story of how Zeb and Bel met, which is sure to pull on readers’ heartstrings. Budding comic-book artists will get a kick out of the back matter, which includes a guide to drawing both furry main characters. — The Horn Book Bel’s dry yet cheeky case notes emphasize the pooch and feline’s unlikely closeness and highlight how relying on each other’s differences and individual strengths—such as Bel’s practical, business-minded persona and Zeb’s free-spirited attitude—makes their partnership stronger. — Publisher's Weekly Zeb and Bel's silly odd couple dynamic propels the story, which gets increasingly entertaining as other pets and wild animals from their city neighborhood start offering clues...Elliott’s angular cartoon style balances the occasionally wacky playfulness with nicely articulated emotion. — Booklist
- Winner of Junior Library Guild Selection (United States).
ISBN: 9780063354296
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 272g
160 pages