Trouble Finds Plum! - by Matt Phelan (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A Junior Library Guild Selection

"Expert plot and character development take this latest in the series up a notch."--Kirkus Reviews

Raccoons have invaded the Athensville Zoo! And it's up to Plum and his friends to save their beloved home. From award-winning author-artist Matt Phelan, Trouble Finds Plum! is the third book about a young peacock whose adventures are funny, hopeful, and always kindhearted. A funny, highly illustrated novel perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere.

When Plum the peacock stumbles across a raccoon asking for help finding food on a gloomy day at the zoo, he is delighted to assist his new friend. But Scratch the raccoon doesn't stop there. More and more of Scratch's friends arrive, and soon the zoo is overrun by rowdy and rude raccoons. Though trouble might have found Plum, Plum has a plan to save the Athensville Zoo--and make a few new friends at the same time.

Each book in the Leave It to Plum series features:

Lively black-and-white illustrations by the author on almost every page.Short, humorous chapters ideal for reading aloud and for reluctant readers.Social and emotional learning competencies appropriate for young middle grade readers.Engaging high-interest, low reading level stories to develop literacy skills and nurture a love of reading.

Trouble Finds Plum! is the third book in a 5-book series about a young peacock with a big heart and the busy zoo he lives in. Just right for newly independent readers, these fun and funny adventures tackle relatable emotional themes such as dealing with bullies and being a good friend. Perfect for fans of the Princess in Black and the Mercy Watson series.

Review Quotes

"When Scratch, a bossy, greedy raccoon, and his gang invade the zoo . . . the subsequent chaos disrupts what had been a bucolic home. Plum and his friends--including a domestic cat named Jeremy, a ningbing named Itch, a family of chipmunks, and a bear who lives in the nearby woods--work together to solve the problem. . . . Plum accomplishes his goal by working with others; Scratch realizes that family can be made from those who care about you, even if they are not the same species; and all the zoo animals learn about leadership and problem-solving."? - Horn Book Magazine

"A peacock's kindheartedness and cleverness prove immune to cynicism. Undaunted by rain, peppy Plum is the only zoo inhabitant around when a bedraggled raccoon shows up. . . . Power makes the raccoons hungry for more, and their rudeness becomes bullying. But with help from Itch the ningbing, Jeremy the cat, and, naturally, Plum, 'brains and heart' eventually save the day. . . . Expert plot and character development take this latest in the series up a notch." - Kirkus Reviews

"Plucky peacock Plum is back with another entertaining installment that has him facing his highest-stakes situation yet. . . . Plum is thrilled by an unexpected visit from a raccoon named Scratch. Though Plum hopes to make a new friend, it's clear that the nefarious mammal means to take over the zoo. . . . It's a delight to drop back into this wacky zoo world and become reacquainted with the comical cast of critters. . . . The brisk pace, witty wisecracks, and humorous illustrations easily retain attention, and Plum's eternal optimism and perpetual enthusiasm are contagious." - Booklist