• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Lucas has dinosaurs on the brain, but he's a little short on friends. When he gets a new book on how to make model dinosaurs, he's inspired to make one immediately. He's not so inspired by his new dinosaur-making kit: all the box contains is a test tube of clear liquid and a few instructions. But when he mixes the liquid into his papier-maché goop, he gets much more than he bargained for, including the most unlikely friend.

Maureen Bush has written 4 books including the first two in the Veil of Magic series, The Nexus Ring and Crow Boy. Her books have been short listed for numerous awards including the Silver Birch and the Saskatchewan Diamond Willow. She has a Post-graduate Certificate of Creative Writing from Humber College. She also obtained a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Masters in Environmental Design (Environmental Science), both from the University of Calgary. Born in Edmonton, Maureen Bush now lives in Calgary.

Maureen Bush's profile page

• Short-listed, Rocky Mountain Book Award nominee
• Short-listed, Red Cedar Book Award Nominee
• Short-listed, Silver Birch Express Honour Book
• Short-listed, Golden Eagle Book Award nominee
• Long-listed, Sunburst Award honorable mention
• Commended, CCBC Best Books
• Short-listed, Hackmatack Children's Choice Award nominee
• Commended, OLA Best Bets

"Kids love making the impossible, possible! That's why they will love Feather Brain...In this tale, Lucas loves dinosaurs and gets to take his obsession to new heights when he creates some model dinosaurs that come to life! If you loved the movies Night at the Museum or Jurassic Park you will love this book!"

Word of Mouse Book Reviews

"Bush grabs the reader from the first page and pulls us quickly into a lively adventure...A great adventure story, this book deals with the issue of bullies and problem solving realistically."

Canadian Teacher Magazine

"The humorous plot will appeal to boys and middle grade reluctant readers and gave me quite a chuckle as Lucas attempts to disguise the dinosaur cries and scratches from his classmates and parents."

Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media

"A delightful story...It would also be an excellent introduction into the study of dinosaurs...There are so many possibilities with this story!"

The Bookmark (BCTLA)

"A great daily read for the classroom."

Resource Links

"Witty and imaginative."

Deakin Newsletter

"Lends itself to discussions around social issues such as bullying and differences in families."

Education Report, British Columbia Ministry of Education

"An exciting read. Intermediate level students will enjoy reading about the what-ifs of taking care of real dinosaurs."

SouthWest Ohio and Neighboring Libraries (SWON)

Feather Brain

Part of the Orca Young Readers series, Feather Brain is a story about dinosaurs, loneliness, friendship and some of the reasons for bullying, told in the authentic voice of ten-year-old Lucas Clarke. Luke is obsessed by dinosaurs and spends his time at home alone making models. He is having trouble making friends at his new school thanks to a bully named Kyle who sneers at his dinosaur obsession. When the models come to life, Luke is in big trouble. He schemes to pass the liveliest model on to Kyle in revenge but this doesn't have the result he expected. Both boys grow in empathy and understanding and resolve the problem together. Bush is also the author of The Nexus Ring.

Feather Brain (Orca Young Reader)

Lucas has dinosaurs on the brain, but he’s a little short on friends. He receives a new book on how to make model dinosaurs and is inspired to make one straight away. When Lucas uses his new dinosaur-making kit, he gets more than he bargained for, including the most unlikely friends.