What if reading a bedtime story turned your child into a detective? That's exactly the promise behind Squirrel and Parrot, a fresh interactive children's book that doesn't just tell a story — it hands your little one a magnifying glass and invites them to help crack the case.
Aimed at children aged four to six, the book blends humor, suspense and a playful visual world to introduce kids to the fun of detective games — while quietly sharpening their thinking and their eye for detail.
The strangest case in Wildland — let the investigation begin
At the heart of the story are Squirrel and Parrot: two wildly different but perfectly matched detectives from a place called Wildland. The duo rolls up to the crime scene in their one-of-a-kind vehicle when a mysterious case throws everyone into a spin — an unknown culprit has turned the peaceful Stayaway Hotel upside down.
And here's the twist: children aren't just watching from the sidelines. They become real detective assistants, watching for clues alongside the heroes and helping figure out who's behind all the chaos.
Why a squirrel and a parrot? The choice was no accident
The author deliberately picked two heroes who rarely take center stage in children's books — yet both have remarkable talents. The squirrel is quick, curious and resourceful, while the African grey parrot is famous for its extraordinary intelligence.
It's an unusual pairing, but a purposeful one. Together, these two nudge young readers toward logic, observation and problem-solving — all wrapped up in play. If you love finding books that quietly teach while they entertain, this one fits the bill.
An interactive mystery that teaches kids to think
One of the book's real charms is that it never hands over the answers. Children have to reason alongside the characters, rule out suspects and piece the puzzle together themselves.
Everything is tailored to how four- to six-year-olds actually focus: short, easy-to-follow text and strongly visual storytelling make it simple to understand and hard to put down.
The pictures keep telling the story — a visual hunt on every page
The artwork is one of the book's biggest strengths. The illustrations don't just decorate the pages — they're part of the investigation. Some clues can only be spotted in the drawings themselves.
This approach lines up with international trends in children's publishing, where visual literacy matters just as much as reading itself.
Built around soft pastel tones — especially purples and greens — the world feels both playful and cozy, mixing techniques, photographs and hand-drawn art. And because it was created in a family setting, the book carries an even more personal touch.
A family creation, born from shared inspiration
Squirrel and Parrot is a genuine family project. The story comes from author István M. Kovács, while the illustrations are the work of his wife, Krisztina Szitnyai, who also designed and edited the book's entire visual world.
Even the couple's five-year-old son got involved, adding his own drawings to the story. That shared effort doesn't just make the book special — it perfectly captures what a children's book is really about: the power of experiencing something together.
Humor, learning and the gift of getting it wrong
Wordplay and situational comedy run throughout, making the book a joy for grown-ups as much as for kids.
The story also gently teaches an important lesson: making mistakes is part of learning. The heroes sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion, but with teamwork, humor and persistence, they always find their way to the right answer. It's a mindset that helps children build flexible thinking and real problem-solving skills.
The start of a whole new series
According to its creators, Squirrel and Parrot isn't meant to be a one-off adventure. The story could be the first chapter in a longer series, with new mysteries waiting for young readers down the line.
The book has already made its debut at a major book fair, where fans got to meet the creators — and the unlikely detective duo — in person.
A book that turns reading into a shared investigation
Squirrel and Parrot brings something fresh to children's literature: it's a mystery, a story and an interactive game all at once. A book that doesn't just read to your child, but pulls them in, gets them thinking, and creates a shared experience for kids and parents alike.
What age is Squirrel and Parrot suitable for?
The book is aimed at children aged four to six. Its short, easy-to-follow text and highly visual storytelling are tailored to how kids that age focus and understand.
What makes this book interactive?
Instead of handing over the answers, the story asks children to spot clues, rule out suspects and reason alongside the characters. Some details can only be found in the illustrations, turning every page into part of the hunt.
Who created the book?
It's a family project. The story is by author István M. Kovács, the illustrations are by his wife Krisztina Szitnyai, and even their five-year-old son contributed his own drawings.
Will there be more Squirrel and Parrot books?
The creators intend this to be the first in a longer series, with new mysteries planned for young readers in future installments.
