Cher Ami: Based on the World War I Legend of the Fearless Pigeon

by Mélisande Potter (Author) Giselle Potter (Illustrator)

Cher Ami: Based on the World War I Legend of the Fearless Pigeon
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Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
cms Common Sense Media Review

An inspiring picture book that explores the true story of Cher Ami: a heroic messenger pigeon who saved the lives of soldiers during World War I.

In October 1918, during World War I, nearly seven hundred American soldiers were trapped behind enemy lines with no prospect of rescue. Allied troops did not have access to their location, and every attempt at communication provoked more casualties. Their only hope--to dispatch a trained messenger pigeon to reach help miles away.

This unforgettable story celebrates courage and determination in its most vulnerable form. Cher Ami was shot down during her mission yet managed to save many lives, proving her fearless flight was a remarkable one.

cms Common Sense Media Review
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Hardcover
$18.99

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ALA/Booklist

Lovingly crafted.... The author creates a real sense of drama when Cher Ami performs her famous flight--an act made all the more suspenseful by the dynamic illustrations. An uplifting piece of history that children will love.

Kirkus

A fresh tribute to the renowned avian wounded warrior.... A tale worth the telling

None

Mélisande Potter's text is concise, dramatic, and compelling, entirely matched by Giselle Potter's art--evocative watercolors that convey setting beautifully while always keeping the valiant pigeon center stage.

Review quotes

"Engaging watercolor and ink artwork that portrays Cher Ami at her valorous best will rivet the picture book audience, making this a useful Veterans Day centerpiece, when strict veracity might briefly take a backseat to a rousing war story."—BCCB
Mélisande Potter
Mélisande and Giselle Potter are a mother-and-daughter team who have created numerous books individually, but Cher Ami marks their first collaboration. Mélisande is the illustrator of Pizza for the Queen by Nancy Castaldo. In London where Mélisande lives, a perky little pigeon often perches on her thumb to eat scone crumbs at teatime. Her attachment to this friendly bird led to a curiosity about pigeons and the discovery of Cher Ami's story. Giselle has illustrated over thirty books, including The Boy Who Loved Words, a Parents' Choice Gold Award winner. Giselle lives in the Hudson Valley with her family and their recently adopted dog, Lottie, who was found in the woods. Giselle isn't sure if they saved Lottie or if Lottie saved them, with her sweet, loving nature. She invites you to visit her at gisellepotter.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780316335348
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Christy Ottaviano Books-Little Brown and Hachette
Publication date
May 31, 2022
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV000000 - Juvenile Fiction | General
Library of Congress categories
History
United States
20th century
Legends
World War, 1914-1918
War use
Homing pigeons
Communications
Cher Ami (Pigeon)

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