Monday, August 10, 2009

Birds of a Feather

I found two TRUE stories involving two kinds of birds during two different wars. Both will give children insight into how civilians are affected by war.

In The 18 Penny Goose, a pet is left behind when a family flees from approaching British troops during the American Revolutionary War. Out of desperation young Letty leaves a note for the soldiers pleading with them to spare her beloved gander, Solomon. Even though this book is an "I Can Read Book 3", it's sparse words effectively convey the anxiety of leaving your home not knowing what you will find when you return. My daughter was aghast at the notion that soldiers would enter a private residence and take stuff. In the end Solomon is saved, but the rest of the gaggle is not so fortunate. Letty finds a reply to her note as well as payment for the geese consumed. A well told story of an actual event. The nice illustrations include interesting details.

Ages 4-8
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Pigeon Hero! is about an atypical World War II hero. In this account a messenger pigeon named G. I. Joe saves an Italian village from an American bombing raid. Unbeknownst to the Yanks the Germans have already fled the area and the only thing they would be bombing are innocent civilians. In this "Ready-to-Read Level 2" story G. I. Joe overcomes tough odds to deliver the message in the nick of time. The raid is called off, the village is saved and G. I. Joe receives a medal of honor. It is fascinating to learn how pigeons were used during the war. For instance, they were kept on battleships and even submarines to be released with notes in the event of danger. Children will be enthralled with this story.
Ages 4-8
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Activity: Help G. I. Joe deliver a message. Can you find the way through the maze?

I'M FEELING GENEROUS! Leave a comment for a chance to win both of these books! I will pick a winner on Monday, August 17th.

6 comments:

  1. My granddaughter would love both of these books. Thanks for your reviews.

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  2. I remember reading a library copy of the 18 Penny Goose book with my older daughter a couple of years ago. Thanks so much for reminding me that I need to do the same with my younger one when the time comes. What a great book! Your reviews are great! Thanks!

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  3. my son would love these book THANK YOU

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  4. I think your blog is great and it is fascinating to look at how history is seen through the eyes of children, in particular the history of war.
    I recently came across a blog post about Cromwell in the British Ladybird collection of children's books. The accuracy of the history of it is debateable, but it is very interesting!
    Here is the link http://www.investigations.4-lom.com/2009/07/25/oliver-cromwell-an-adventure-from-history/
    It chose it as one of the winners of the History Carnival which I recently hosted
    http://historytodaymagazine.blogspot.com/2009/08/history-carnival.html

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  5. My daughter just put all of your names in a container and picked.....ddmcqueary. Please contact me through my profile e-mail so I can obtain your mailing address. Thanks everyone and congrats ddmcqueary.

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  6. My daughter enjoyed both of these books when she was just a little bit younger. A great tie in with the 2nd book the online educational game (also ties into NYC!), The Adventures of Amelia the Pigeon: http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/amelia/

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