SEVEN: A MOST REMARKABLE PIGEON Whose Story Inspires

 That's right, I'm sharing another bird book. Trust me, I realize there are probably more than enough posts about birds books on this blog (HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE...  you see what I mean?) But don't expect me to change. First, birds will always hold a special place in my heart. That must be true for many, since there's no shortage of books of every kind for every age that feature birds in fact, fiction, and with a blend of those approaches. 

CANDLEWICK PRESS, 2025

That blend is what propels my thoughts about  SEVEN, A MOST REMARKABLE PIGEON onto yet another post. I read this lovely, heartwarming, and entertaining book by author Sandra Nickel and illustrated by Aimeé Sicuro multiple times. I usually do that, but in this case I pursued even more repeated readings. Because i have a broad knowledge base about birds, I saw countless facts about pigeons within  a story that was clearly fictional. I had a concern that young readers might come away with confusions about what was real and what was made up. The author's note did a fine job of pointing out the factual details, and yet the storytelling was so nearly-magical that I wanted to feel confident that the account was not misleading.

In brief, the story features a singleton hatchling pigeon  in a nest that almost always holds two eggs. Parent pigeons DO tend faithfully to the young, they DO urge flocking and close contact with other pigeons, they DO work with young prior to migration to prepare them for successful travel. This little loner was named SEVEN because pigeons consider seven a lucky name (obviously storytelling) but this tidbit is used as a device to share the fact that SEVEN thousand miles is the longest recorded route a pigeon has return to its home. Seven, the pigeon, has a remarkable sense of smell, particular preferences, and doesn't mind going its own way. 

The story allows SEVEN to rise to the hero role due to environmental circumstances paired with its own warmly-embraced talents, despite outside pressures. The story itself incorporates facts within a delightful and charming account of a character that encourages independence and individuality, that appreciates differences, that celebrates multiple ways to solve problems, and that encourages empathy and acceptance. The illustrations allow readers to enjoy both a fictionalized, semi-personified pigeon while viewing information about pigeons through visual narrative and scenes. 

SEVEN will work well for many ages, with multiple layers about science, group dynamics, individual identity and development, and patterns of the environment and nature. Pigeons are the urban birds that young people are most likely to interact with, and that's because they are versions of domesticated birds that are now considered wild but deeply adjusted to (and sometimes dependent on) human interaction. This book is a way to make pigeon science and their specialized talents more available to young readers. It also invites discussions about individual differences and respect for those differences. That's a lovely combination.

If you'd like to see an example of how that can help or hurt the survival of pigeons, here's an interesting video you might want to watch. It's on YOUTUBE and  begins with a short ad, but it called to mind the power of human support for our natural friends. HERE's the video. I want to be sure that viewers know this should not be attempted on your own, and certainly not by children. It can be a skill developed with support from trained wildlife rescuers. The trust and experience of this individual are impressive and worth learning about, IMO.

The Countdown to CYBILS AWARDS Announcements!

I took a short break from posting here for a much-needed connection with family, but I'm back in time to share some recommended titles that were nominees for CYBILS ELEMENTARY NONFICTION AWARDS, but missed the cut as finalists. Out of dozens and dozens of fantastic books, only a few make it that far, and then only ONE will be named the award-winner on FEBRUARY 14, just a few days away. I have never volunteered for this final phase, because I already struggle as a Round One panelist to narrow the field to seven titles, any one of which could well deserve the award. That final cut is just too painful for me to be a participant in the decision.

Even so, I will use my humble platform here to shine some light on picture books that I particularly enjoyed and believe you will, too.

These three titles celebrate the heroism and strength of women. All are nonfiction, and yet they employ a range of approaches very effectively and that suit each account perfectly. Each brings excitement and "AHA" reactions to what has been achieved by women with a purpose.

Clarion Books, 2021
Booklist starred review

It's easy to begin with a woman who was/is a wonder, in a book that will capture attention from readers of many ages and interests. A TRUE WONDER: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything is written by Kirsten W. Larson and illustrated by  Katy Wu.  

This is a thorough examination of the comic hero WONDER WOMAN with thumbnail profiles of each of the actual folks who contributed to the creation and success of this iconic superhero. The scope of many decades involves many of these thumbnail spotlights, during which the idea for WW emerged, was executed and embraced by the comic-reading public, and then traveled a troubled course of diminishment, disinterest, and eventual recovery. The comic-illustration style and formatting suits it well and will add to the adventuresome experience of discovery of Wonder Woman's history.

Harry N. Abrams
Books for Young Readers, 2021

If you are interested in another "star-studded" superhero woman, look no further than The Stuff Between The Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe written by Sandra Nickel and illustrated by Aimée Sicuro. 

This is an appealing and accessible account of a curious girl who pursued her questions and dreams despite a repeated (and powerful) pattern of dismissiveness and outright rejection. Her persistence and pursuit of scientific explanations was not related to attention seeking or awards. I appreciated the way the author emphasized Rubin's particular obsession with investigating the topics and areas of study that were neglected by others. The lifelong feminist in me wants to gift this book to every young girl. I certainly agree with this review and others who sing the praises of this powerful book:

"Readers will be inspired by the vastness of the universe as they learn about Rubin’s discoveries." 
— School Library Journal

Finally (for today, but with more coming in the next several days) let's celebrate the quiet heroism of everyday people, especially women, who change lives on a daily basis. 

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2021

Dear Librarian is written by Lydia M. Sigwarth and illustrated by Romina Galotta. 

We should never assume that ANYONE, at any time, who crosses our paths might not need us like a life boat in a storm. Even as we speak to them, offer a hand, or simply smile, the impact may not be visible or noteworthy. But such small gestures and acts of decency and kindness can be cumulative and compelling. In this case the author recounts the impact of a library (her safe and steady place in tumultuous times) and a librarian (a person who saw someone unique and worthy of her attention and time) who changed her life.

This is a heartwarming and important reminder of the role of public libraries in all lives, but especially for those in need of a true "home". 

I'll share more of these "winning" picture books in the next few days leading up to (and following) the CYBILS AWARDS category winner on Monday, Valentine's Day. I'm excited to see the result, but also excited to share these valuable picture books with you here. Be a hero today, or some day soon, and share one or all of them with a young reader you know and love!