The Pigeon Spy (World War I Tales) - Softcover

Deary, Terry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1408191717 ISBN 13: 9781408191712

Publisher: A&C Black Childrens & Educational, 2014

Synopsis

Stories of the First World War from the bestselling Terry Deary, author of the hugely successful Horrible Histories. Flanders 1918. The extraordinary true story of a pigeon who saved nearly 200 lives. A troop of Americans are trapped behind enemy lines. Not only are their German enemies firing at them but so are their own side. Somehow they have to get a message to their comrades. The only way is by pigeon. But every time a pigeon rises in the air it is shot down. The last pigeon, a black bird called Cher Ami, flies with bullets zipping through the air all around him, covering 25 miles in just 65 minutes, helping to save the lives of the 194 survivors. In his epic journey he is shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, and left with a leg hanging only by a tendon. Army medics save his life. They can't save his leg, so they carve a small wooden one for him. When he recovers, the pigeon is put on a boat to the United States, a hero. Astonishing true tale of animals at war from master historical storyteller Terry Deary, for 7+.

About this title

About the Author:

Terry Deary began his writing career with fiction for A&C Black. He is now author of over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, which have been published in 40 languages. His historical fiction for older children Tudor Terror has been praised as "a marvellous blend of fact and fiction" (School Librarian). His non-fiction has been consistently in the best-seller lists since 1994. His Horrible Histories celebrated their 15th anniversary in 2008, having sold over 25 million copies worldwide and been adapted as television series, theatre tours and museum exhibitions. Terry Deary was voted "Outstanding children's non-fiction author of the 20th Century" by Books for Keeps magazine.

Review:

another fascinating insight into the lesser-known aspects of the War - this time, a homing pigeon charged with carrying a vital message. An excellent series. * Parents in Touch * An exciting and entertaining short read. * Irish Examiner * An exciting story which brings alive a little known aspect of World War I. -- Julia Eccleshare * Lovereading4kids * a lively story which is based in fact and engagingly illustrated by James de la Rue. * The Historical Novel Society * Overall, it's a good read. The characters are interesting, the vocabulary is rich and the author deals realistically with the issues involved. * Primary Teacher Update *

About this edition

• Publisher: A&C Black Childrens & Educational
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1408191717
• ISBN 13: 9781408191712
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 64