The Language of Doves

by Rosemary Wells, Greg Shed (Illustrator)

On her sixth birthday, Julietta receives a dove and a story from World War I from her grandfather as a present, but to complete her grandfather's wishes, she must learn the "language of the doves" in order to link their lives together forever.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Historical Fiction, War

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Rosemary Wells is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. She often uses animal characters to address real human issues. Some of her most well-known characters are Max & Ruby and Timothy from Timothy Goes To School (both were later adapted into Canadian-animated preschool television series, the former’s airing on Nickelodeon (part of the Nick Jr. block) and the latter’s as part of PBS Kids on PBS).

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

For her sixth birthday, a girl receives a dove from her grandfather. He shares his story of being a little boy in Italy during the First World War and helping to care for the doves that are used for military messages.

It’s actually a pretty sad tale, so if you have young ones that have a hard time coping with death (there’s three), maybe hold off on this one.

Ages: 4 - 10

Cleanliness: (spoiler) the grandfather dies and leaves a note that says because he’s learned the language of doves, he’s learned to fly.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming and somewhat sad tale about the relationship between a grandfather and his granddaughter and the love they shared for doves. Through this shared hobby, Julietta learns about her grandfather's past and sends him messages when she releases her dove.

The narrative is fairly short and the gouache illustrations are marvelous, evoking a sense of an older time. I would recommend this book for older children or those who will not be too upset by the deaths that occur in the story. Many men and a couple of messenger doves were killed in battle, and Julietta's grandfather dies at the end of the story. Overall, we thought it was a well-written tale and we really enjoyed reading it together.

interesting quote:

"Do not listen to a word they tell you. Having learned the language of doves I have learned also to fly. Watch for me." (p. 32)

[Inhabiting Books]

On Julietta's sixth birthday, her grandfather gives her an Isabella dove, and tells her the story of his Isabella dove he was given as a boy and what became of her.

This was a good story. Very interesting, historically speaking, as well. (Don't forget to read the author's note at the front.) I love stories of children interacting with their grandparents. And I love the idea of passing on family stories. The illustrations are marvelous. Every picture glows with light, and feels like a snapshot of a memory.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching story passed down from grandfather to granddaughter about his early enlistment in World War I, working with carrier pigeons and the role those feathered soldier’s played in the war. Very moving and gave a brief glimpse into one aspect of military communication in the early 1900s.

[Catie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For older children. A little girl's grandfather tells her of his experiences first, being raised in an orphanage with doves as his friends, and then being recruited by the Italian army to help the doves relay messages from soldiers on the battlefield. You won't have a dry eye at the end of this one, but don't let that stop you from reading it.

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another Rosemary Wells book that features grandparents and granddaughter relationship, animals and missing someone. By far I love this one. This is very emotional, nostalgic and I like how the dove thing from the Great War story incorporates in this personal story. The story fells biographical and based on a true story. And the artwork is so excellent!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story. Alissa wants to raise doves now.

[Jennifer Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute and sad book about a boy growing into a man and finding his place in the world... Taking care of doves.

[JaNeal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written story--actually, this is a story within a story. I love the historical basis of the tale and the inspirational ending. (Spoiler Alert) Be aware that the grandfather dies in the book, but his death is surrounded by a message (literally) of hope.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

WWI story and how doves or birds were used to send messages during battles.