This was a wonderful book to read to children, or when they are older, say 7-9 for them to read themselves. I loved the colourful characters of Raymond and Bonnie and the adventure they went on during that cold snowy few days. I can see this becoming a great series for children to collect and as a Grandmother I enjoyed it too. Great illustrations.

This was a cute story about birds in the country during winter. I enjoyed the friendship between Raymond and Bonnie. The plot was interesting, but not a lot happened. It’s a quick, easy read. However, I didn’t like reading about characters smoking in a kids’ book. I didn’t think that was necessary to include in the story. The illustrations are cute, but I think the cover art needs a little bit of work. It was just okay for me.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

I chose this when I was in the mood for a lighter read.

This was a charming short story, and it felt very comforting to read. The illustrations were adorable, very cute and colourful, and the book in general reminded me of stories I liked to read as a child. I think if you like stories about birds, you will like this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

Thanks to Troubador (Matador) and NetGalley for providing a review copy of this book, published in January 28th, 2023.


The Deserted Cottage is the first of Adventures with Raymond and Bonnie series, a children fiction intended for young readers from seven to nine. Raymond is a young robin who lives with his parents on a pile of logs next to a big oak tree at Farmer Tussock's farmyard. His best friend, a young blue tit called Bonnie, also lives in the same place with her parents.


In this first adventure, Raymond and Bonnie fly to the nearby Fir Cottage, where Mr. Digweed lives alone. "None of the bird families knew his real name; he was just called Mr Digweed simply because he was often in his garden... digging up weeds."


Mr. Digweed is a lovely old man. He treats the birds very kindly. There's always enough food and water for every bird who ever flies over Fir Cottage. His bird-feeder is never empty. It's no wonder that all the birds in the countryside love him.


But that particular morning, Raymond and Bonnie found no trace of Mr. Digweed. His cottage was closed and dark, and the feeder empty. What can possibly happen to Mr Digweed? Does he go somewhere? When two days passed, and still no sign of Mr. Digweed, Raymond and Bonnie began to worry.


Then they saw two strangers arrived at Fir Cottage. Two hooded men made a forced-entry to the house, brought out Mr. Digweed's stuffs, and put them into their van. It's a burglary! They are robbing the birds' dear old friend – they must help poor Mr. Digweed! But what can two little birds do to thwart this evil operation?


Besides the exciting adventure, there's also a trouble looming in the background. Farmer Tussock is considering to sell the logs where the robins and blue tits live, which means that they must find new homes coming winter. Will they find home as warm and as cozy as the farmyard? Can Raymond and Bonnie still be together? This might provide a good story for the next instalment.


As a bird-lover, I was excited to find this charming book about birds, with gorgeous illustrations by Simon Goodway. I also loved the countryside setting, the birds (besides Robin's and blue tits, there are Marty the magpie and a bunch of starlings too), and a lovely human being in the good Mr. Digweed, who provides love and comfort for the weaker creatures.


While this book is originally intended for young readers, it also provides a soothing and relaxing read for adults. If you love birds and in need of a feel-good book, this would be your perfect choice. As for young readers, it will convince them that being kind to others is a worthwhile attitude, and it makes one feeling happy.