• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 3 to 7

Dr. Archibald Coo, an erudite big-city pigeon, is tired of the way people treat him and the other pigeons. They're always being shooed and swatted, and they're never admired the way the other birds are. As Dr. Coo tells his pigeon friends: “It wasn't always this way.” In ancient times, pigeons were known to accompany the gods. They brought news of the Olympic Games to all of ancient Greece. And more recently, they delivered messages and medicine to soldiers on battlefields. They were heroes! Surely, Dr. Coo reasons, pigeons can find a way to earn the admiration of people once again. And he's got just the bold plan to do it.

Award-winning journalist Sarah Hampson's picture book debut is a celebration of the diversity inherent in a big city and a lesson on how looking for the good in others is the best way to get along with them. Through her activist pigeons, she offers a child-friendly example of how to affect change, and shows how cooperation and compromise are the keys for diverse groups to harmoniously coexist --- a topical subject. With soft lines and a warm palette, Kass Reich's illustrations bring a fresh pigeon's-eye perspective to New York's inhabitants and cityscapes. This book could be used to spark classroom discussions on respecting differences, working out disagreements, or stepping up to counter injustice, all important subjects for the budding self-awareness and personal development of young children. It also aligns with character education lessons on self-respect, initiative and inclusiveness.

Sarah Hampson is an award-winning journalist with the Globe and Mail. This is her first foray into the world of writing for children. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Sarah Hampson's profile page

KASS REICH is an artist and educator. She graduated with a degree in Art Education from Concordia University, then worked in Beijing as an early childhood educator for nearly three years. Working with little ones inspired her to start making picture books for young learners. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Kass Reich's profile page

• Short-listed, Jean Throop Book Award, IODE Ontario
• Short-listed, OLA Best Bets, Ontario Library Association

... a pleasant lighthearted read ...

CM Magazine

... a welcome addition to classroom lessons about respect.

Quill & Quire

... a wonderful tool for leading discussions with young children about concepts such as acceptance and friendship, as well as pointing out ways to peacefully work out frustrations and grievances.

Quebec Library Association

A warm addition for one-on-one and small group sharing.

School Library Journal

... promotes the importance of learning to live together even when there are differences.

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