This was such a beautiful story. I got teary-eyed reading the last page of the book. This book is about a grandfather telling his granddaughter, Julietta, about doves. Grandfather had a strong relationship with doves because he has learned the language of Doves. I was not expecting for grandfather to die and Isabella coming back to Julietta! I got emotional when Isabella came back with the note from the grandfather. This can be a great book to teach young children about the Great War mentioned in the story, and how important Doves were back in the day and how they are so significant today. ( )

Story passed down from grandfather to granddaughter about homing pigeons during World War I. This is a beautiful story shared between family members. ( )

Gorgeous, educational, and (bonus!) interesting & satisfying. For ages 7 up, I'd guess. There are sad bits, but the way the pictures glow makes it clear that the main message is one of hope.

The use of friendly, trained pigeons in WWI reminded me of the early Newbery winner, [b:Gay Neck: The Story of a Pigeon|207330|Gay Neck The Story of a Pigeon|Dhan Gopal Mukerji|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348089568s/207330.jpg|2487576]. That book is, of course, for somewhat older children, but is a worthy & enjoyable read for all of us are moved by this. ( )

The story is of a young girl named Julietta and her bond with the doves. It's her sixth birthday and her grandfather tells her of the war and the doves. Since Julietta has learned the importance of the dove; her and her grandfather share a ritual and send messages via the dove. Once her grandfather passes Julietta is finally able to understand the language of doves and what her grandfather was trying to tell her before his death.

Beautiful sunny brown toned full page pictures tell the story a six year old girl learns from her grandfather. As the two share the experience of her getting to know the dove she has received as a birthday gift he relates how as a boy he was raised in a Franciscan monastery and learned to care for the birds. At nine years old the grandfather was drafted into the army. His pet bird Isabella was awarded a silver medal.