Arabel's Raven

Young Arabel's life is changed forever when her father, a taxi driver, brings home an injured bird he finds in the street.

This wacky raven eats everything in sight, answers the telephone by squawking "Nevermore!" and causes chaos wherever he goes--but Arabel loves her new feathered friend, whom she names Mortimer.

He raids the kitchen fridge for sausages and black currant tarts, turns on the bathroom faucets until the floor floods, and pushes stolen bills under the doormat—leaving poor Mrs. Jones in absolute despair.

When the unruly raven develops a taste for timber, he steadily chews through the staircase, obliging the family to climb an aluminum fruit ladder whenever they wish to go to bed. Even simple outings turn into a grand expedition, with Arabel carting the stubborn bird along the High Street in a wooden wagon while he inspects the shops for shiny treasures.

This is the first volume of Arabel and Mortimer's adventures, brightened with hilarious illustrations by Quentin Blake. 

• Funny Books for Kids: A chaotic investigation sweeps Rumbury Town when a mysterious culprit gnaws through the Underground station’s escalators and leaves the local police chasing feathers.
• Unlikely Hero: From steering a runaway roller skate with his tail to facing down two armed crooks on Lykewake Lane, Mortimer tackles every crisis with stubborn charm.
• Bedtime Story: Three episodic, fast-paced adventures filled with eccentric London neighbors, unexpected chaos, and warm family affection that are ideal for reading aloud together.
• Also by This Author: The Teeth of the Gale and Go Saddle the Sea.