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Coo
“An unforgettable story of friendship, love, and finding your flock.” —Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Medal-winning author of Hello, Universe
In this exceptional debut, one young girl’s determination to save the flock she calls family creates a lasting impact on her community and in her heart. Gorgeous and literary, this is an unforgettable animal story about friendship, family, home, and belonging. For readers who love books by Kate DiCamillo and Katherine Applegate.
Ten years ago, an impossible thing a flock of pigeons picked up a human baby who had been abandoned in an empty lot and carried her, bundled in blankets, to their roof. Coo has lived her entire life on the rooftop with the pigeons who saved her. It’s the only home she’s ever known. But then a hungry hawk nearly kills Burr, the pigeon she loves most, and leaves him gravely hurt.
Coo must make a perilous trip to the ground for the first time to find Tully, a retired postal worker who occasionally feeds Coo’s flock, and who can heal injured birds. Tully mends Burr’s broken wing and coaxes Coo from her isolated life. Living with Tully, Coo experiences warmth, safety, and human relationships for the first time. But just as Coo is beginning to blossom, she learns the human world is infinitely more complex?and cruel?than she could have imagined.
This remarkable debut novel will captivate readers from the very first line. Coo examines the bonds that make us family, the possibilities of love, and the importance of being true to yourself. Fans of Katherine Applegate, Kate DiCamillo, and Barbara O’Connor will devour this extraordinary story.
Features black-and-white spot art throughout.
In this exceptional debut, one young girl’s determination to save the flock she calls family creates a lasting impact on her community and in her heart. Gorgeous and literary, this is an unforgettable animal story about friendship, family, home, and belonging. For readers who love books by Kate DiCamillo and Katherine Applegate.
Ten years ago, an impossible thing a flock of pigeons picked up a human baby who had been abandoned in an empty lot and carried her, bundled in blankets, to their roof. Coo has lived her entire life on the rooftop with the pigeons who saved her. It’s the only home she’s ever known. But then a hungry hawk nearly kills Burr, the pigeon she loves most, and leaves him gravely hurt.
Coo must make a perilous trip to the ground for the first time to find Tully, a retired postal worker who occasionally feeds Coo’s flock, and who can heal injured birds. Tully mends Burr’s broken wing and coaxes Coo from her isolated life. Living with Tully, Coo experiences warmth, safety, and human relationships for the first time. But just as Coo is beginning to blossom, she learns the human world is infinitely more complex?and cruel?than she could have imagined.
This remarkable debut novel will captivate readers from the very first line. Coo examines the bonds that make us family, the possibilities of love, and the importance of being true to yourself. Fans of Katherine Applegate, Kate DiCamillo, and Barbara O’Connor will devour this extraordinary story.
Features black-and-white spot art throughout.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2020
53 people are currently reading
5851 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
January 2, 2024
کتابی جذاب و دوست داشتنی بود برام.👌📚✨️
February 10, 2022
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کتاب به زبان کبوترها داستانی شیرین و دلچسب از دختری به نام کوو است، که خانوادهاش او را رها کردهاند و از نوزادی در میان کبوترها بزرگ شده تا حالا که ده سال دارد. با توجه به اتفاقاتی که میافتد او سعی دارد راهی برای نجات کبوترهایی که او را بزرگ کردهاند و حکم خانواده را برای او دارند، پیدا کند.
با تمام مشکلاتی که برای کبوترها پیش آمده کوو با چالش بزرگتری هم مواجه است و آن زندگی در میان انسانهاست و یادگرفتن هر آنچه که مربوط به آنهاست.
🕊
کتاب تخیلی و پراز احساسی است که خواندنش برای هرکسی میتونه جذاب باشه اما در پشت جلد ردهی سنی بالای دوازده سال درج شده است.
🕊
از شخصیت کوو درسهایی مانند شجاعت، مسئولیتپذیری، وفاداری، تاثیرگذاری، شفقت را می توان آموخت. وابستگی زندگی افراد را بهم و همدردی را. آنقدر شخصیتهای داستان، حتی کبوترها باورپذیر بودند که حس میکردم واقعی هستند.
🕊
نام اصلی کتاب کوو است.
#coo
کتاب به زبان کبوترها داستانی شیرین و دلچسب از دختری به نام کوو است، که خانوادهاش او را رها کردهاند و از نوزادی در میان کبوترها بزرگ شده تا حالا که ده سال دارد. با توجه به اتفاقاتی که میافتد او سعی دارد راهی برای نجات کبوترهایی که او را بزرگ کردهاند و حکم خانواده را برای او دارند، پیدا کند.
با تمام مشکلاتی که برای کبوترها پیش آمده کوو با چالش بزرگتری هم مواجه است و آن زندگی در میان انسانهاست و یادگرفتن هر آنچه که مربوط به آنهاست.
🕊
کتاب تخیلی و پراز احساسی است که خواندنش برای هرکسی میتونه جذاب باشه اما در پشت جلد ردهی سنی بالای دوازده سال درج شده است.
🕊
از شخصیت کوو درسهایی مانند شجاعت، مسئولیتپذیری، وفاداری، تاثیرگذاری، شفقت را می توان آموخت. وابستگی زندگی افراد را بهم و همدردی را. آنقدر شخصیتهای داستان، حتی کبوترها باورپذیر بودند که حس میکردم واقعی هستند.
🕊
نام اصلی کتاب کوو است.
#coo
November 14, 2019
It's such a sweet story. I loved getting to lose myself in Coo's world. I would recommend this book to any middle-grade reader, and to any adult, for that matter. I think Coo is something that people of all ages can enjoy and learn from, and I hope that's exactly what happens.
March 7, 2020
What a charmingly sweet debut novel! Coo has lived for ten years with the pigeons who rescued and raised her when she was left on the steps of an abandoned factory. But when her best pigeon friend is hurt and the winter gets rough, Coo has to learn to live among humans, with all their confusing rules! I think this will be a hit with fans of Katherine Applegate, and Cory Leonardo's THE SIMPLE ART OF FLYING.
April 4, 2020
Wow! I don't have words eloquent enough to describe how I feel about this book. From the start, I was whisked away by the surreal, almost magical permise. The birds were a hoot (ha!), and each of the characters in the book were well-rounded and had character arcs of their own. Coo is extremely lovable and a great role model--she is compassionate, strong, brave. With its originality and beautiful writing, this one feels like an instant classic. There were sweet moments, bittersweet moment--you may just shed a tear at how much you feel. Can't recommend enough.
February 9, 2020
Coo is a marvelous book, and I'm so proud to be married to the author. I've watched my wife work on it for many years and I am so excited that now others can read this incredible story about a very unusual girl finding her family, home, and place in the world. Coo is at once a fantastical book but also incredibly comforting and familiar in a classic way. It’s been through so many changes, big and small, and I’m so proud of her for writing it, crafting it, into something truly wonderful. I highly recommend it!
June 6, 2020
I loved Coo!!
Such a lovely and tender book. Obviously, some illogical matters lurk here and there, but I don't think there's a point in blowing holes in a middle grade novel. About a girl who spent the majority of her life with pigeons.
I loved the way pigeon language was distinguished. Somewhat exciting for me as a linguist! Their syntax was marked with a end-position pronoun and the lack of 'to be' verb, or other verbs altogether, despite having them in their register. Also, Coo utilizes the same structures in her English. I think this book could be a good way to show Chomsky's language innateness to children?
Obviously in a less complicated way. I'm very sorry if that was somewhat overwhelming.
Tully's character is exactly what I look for in books, especially with my weakness for strong mother figures.
Overall, a wonderful, easy-to-read and nice and cozy story. Of course, with a hint of imminent danger and adventure lurking out there. It has it all.
Side note: I would die for Aggie.
Such a lovely and tender book. Obviously, some illogical matters lurk here and there, but I don't think there's a point in blowing holes in a middle grade novel. About a girl who spent the majority of her life with pigeons.
I loved the way pigeon language was distinguished. Somewhat exciting for me as a linguist! Their syntax was marked with a end-position pronoun and the lack of 'to be' verb, or other verbs altogether, despite having them in their register. Also, Coo utilizes the same structures in her English. I think this book could be a good way to show Chomsky's language innateness to children?
Obviously in a less complicated way. I'm very sorry if that was somewhat overwhelming.
Tully's character is exactly what I look for in books, especially with my weakness for strong mother figures.
Overall, a wonderful, easy-to-read and nice and cozy story. Of course, with a hint of imminent danger and adventure lurking out there. It has it all.
Side note: I would die for Aggie.
December 28, 2019
Sweet. Good for kids who like animals.
Apparently pigeons sound just like Yoda. Who knew?
Apparently pigeons sound just like Yoda. Who knew?
November 9, 2019
Coo was one of the most beautiful MG reads I've read this year! I honestly can't stop gushing about this book, and I've added this to my list of all-time fave MG reads. I had zero expectations when I started reading this, but deep down, I knew I would connect to this story. The first thing I should mention is that there are parts of the story that read as completely unbelievable, for example, a dozen pigeons carrying a baby with a blanket from the street to a building rooftop, and then that baby surviving life for years with these pigeons eating scraps from dumpsters and staying in a dovecote thorough cold winters. BUT, the thing is, Kaela Noel's writing is so skillful, and so beautiful, that you can't help but suspend your disbelief and just go along with the story, cheering for the main character Coo. Another wonderful aspect of this story, is how Noel creates such unique and believable characters, starting with Coo's flock of pigeons, each with their own names and distinct personalities, (Burr being my favorite, and even the naughty and annoying Roohoo, somehow crept into my heart.) Then there is Coo, who is of course at the center of the story; she is loving and loyal, and curious, but also extremely fearful of the unknown. She's also strong, way stronger than any kid needs to be. I adored seeing her transformation, which was realistic in every sense, even as she navigates the human world for the first time. Perhaps my favorite part of the story though, are all the wonderful secondary characters, all of which have their own story arcs as well. Tully the retired postal worker, grieving the loss of her husband Ben. She copes through caring for the city pigeons, rescuing injured ones and bringing them back to health. As a cat and sometimes bird rescuer myself, I totally related to her and her love of hummus, avocado and sprout sandwiches, instant noodle soup and donuts. Then there is Aggie a neighbor who befriends Coo. Despite her own struggles of being kicked out of ballet school, she remains a kind and steadfast pal for Coo. And closer to the end of the book, we meet Nicholas, a Brazilian immigrant who is a veterinarian, but actually moonlights as a taxi driver so he can earn money to bring his family over from Brazil. This is the kind of quirky, three dimensional cast of characters that I LOVE in middle-grade. There is so much more I could say about this book, but I'll just end this review by saying that this reads like a classic, but with a fresh and contemporary feel. It's magical, yet grounded in reality through its characters and urban setting of Queens, NY. Oh, and I'm not at all ashamed to admit that I cried a bucketful of happy tears; MG books that bring out the happy tears are my faves. I hope that Coo will get more hype in the coming months because I would love to see it in loads of classrooms and libraries. I'm definitely purchasing a copy to donate to my daughter's school library. Go on and add this to your TBRs and pre-order. You won't regret it!
May 5, 2020
A sweet story that will take you to Coo's world of pigeons, the birds who raised her when she was abandoned by her mother. I already miss the endearing characters from Coo's best friend, Burr, to her human friend who changes her life, Tully, and even crazy RooHoo! The scenario sounded strange to me when I read the synopsis but this truly is a story of love and how we can impact other's lives by caring.
July 3, 2021
I wish I could give this book 6 stars, I loved reading this book and seeing the progress of Coo’s life. At first it was iffy then it just got better and better and I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book!
March 31, 2020
COO is a hopeful, imaginative story that can teach kids, and remind adults, about the power of community and being a good citizen. With the heart and charm of the very best middle grade novels, COO shows us what it means to care for our “flock” by standing up against short-sighted harmful policies, by asking for help from trusted adults, and by being willing to believe that our actions can make a difference in individual lives as well as our society at large. As Coo, a child who grew up among pigeons, learns about the human world, children and adult readers alike will also see many aspects of our world as if for the first time. What works here? What doesn’t work for having a healthy community? As Coo spends time living with Tully, a postal worker who takes on a parental role for Coo, and waits for Burr, her most beloved pigeon in her flock, to heal, she also learns of city plans which put her flock in harm’s way. Coo does take on the role of a heroine to tackle this challenge, but unlike many other stories of adventure and triumph, she figures out who can help her, who she can trust, and how she can keep the best parts of both her worlds.
February 21, 2020
Seriously, could this book get any cuter?! Coo is a young girl who has been raised by pigeons. Her entire world view has been shaped by them and when she meets a kind older lady who feeds them regularly, she develops a deep bond with her. She must balance her new life with her responsibilities to her flock and keep nasty people from hurting her family. A must-read that will teach kids about compassion, family, responsiblity, and the world
December 11, 2020
I loved this. The perfect kids' book for the holidays, wintry and cozy and gentle and fun. Also, full of lovely descriptions of food, and just lovely descriptions in general: "Outside, the snow from the blizzard had turned crusty and grayish as stale frosting. Icicles sparkled form the tree branches. It was cold, but the sun was bright, and Coo was warm."
October 8, 2019
I love this book so much!
January 2, 2022
This was super sweet! A lovely story of family, hope, and pigeons.
May 30, 2020
An unlikely premise--a girl raised by pigeons? But the flock is a good family, though with a different view on life, literally and figuratively, than humans have. One bird in particular is her closest companion, because he is different from the flock.
This story is very good--you might think it is a little predictable, because Coo has to come in contact with the human world to find her place in it, and some humans' view of the pigeons as "vermin" makes for a conflict that Coo has to help solve. This book has some really great moments and lessons to teach kids, and I so love the author's depiction and translation of the pigeons' communication style, it's perfect!
We got this book from our library as an advance reading copy. I hope they decide to stock it, there was nothing in this story I would object to as a parent, and I think this book is great reading for kids probably 8-10 readaloud, and 10-12 independently (it's a pretty thick book!) to teens and adults.
This story is very good--you might think it is a little predictable, because Coo has to come in contact with the human world to find her place in it, and some humans' view of the pigeons as "vermin" makes for a conflict that Coo has to help solve. This book has some really great moments and lessons to teach kids, and I so love the author's depiction and translation of the pigeons' communication style, it's perfect!
We got this book from our library as an advance reading copy. I hope they decide to stock it, there was nothing in this story I would object to as a parent, and I think this book is great reading for kids probably 8-10 readaloud, and 10-12 independently (it's a pretty thick book!) to teens and adults.
September 3, 2021
Coo has an interesting premise; a girl (the eponymous Coo) is raised by pigeons until she is discovered at the age of ten by a neighborhood woman. It is the premise of a fantasy book, especially given that Coo can speak the language of pigeons (not communicate with them, but actually speak their language) but this is an earnest, heartfelt story—not the stuff of fairytales, and the real-world consequences of Coo’s situation are explored in detail.
It’s the characters (pigeon and human alike) that really draw the reader into this story and I’m looking forward to sharing this book with my creative writing students.
It’s the characters (pigeon and human alike) that really draw the reader into this story and I’m looking forward to sharing this book with my creative writing students.
April 2, 2020
A gently moving tale with depth, heart, and characters I won't soon forget. I absolutely loved it (as did my daughter, who insisted we buy the audiobook as well so she could re-experience it). One of my favorite middle grade novels of 2020!
April 16, 2020
This is such a cute book. I think it is geared for upper middle grades. The "bird speak" might be a little difficult and confusing for younger readers. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC of this book.
July 26, 2020
I loved this book. I guess it was the right book at the right time. The author describes it as fairy tale and that makes sense. It's definitely a flight of fantasy but so urban and contemporary. I liked thinking about birds more than humans for a while
February 17, 2020
Cute. Kids will love it and maybe some of us humans will even begin to love pigeons.
April 29, 2020
I have no words for how amazing this book was!!!!
June 22, 2020
A very cute story! I highly recommend it.
November 10, 2023
What an adorable story!!
July 16, 2020
I found myself lost in Coo's world and escaping from the pandemic for just a little while. I was very grateful to get to read a #LitReviewCrew ARC, and initially the size of the ARC had me a bit concerned for my middle grade readers, but once I started reading I realized the font size, spacing, and chapter length are very well suited to this middle grade reader. I became so engrossed in the story I just flew through it. What surprised me was how real the pigeons felt to me as characters, how different each pigeon was, and how attached I grew to them, even Rohoo! I found myself speaking in the "pigeon" linguistic style in my head even after finishing the book. So many things to think about with this book, from what it means to be human, to what our relationship with the animals around us is. It is also refreshing to just enjoy such an original story with a cast of really loveable characters.
December 29, 2019
"Coo" is not just something a pigeon says-- it's also the name of a girl raised by a flock of them. Abandoned as a baby, these feathered friends took her to their rooftop, where she's lived the past eleven years. When her favorite pigeon, Burr, is injured, she leaves the roof in search of help; rumor has it there's a lady who helps sick pigeons. Coo is then thrust into the human world, with a language and customs that she knows nothing about. The pigeon healer, Tully, takes Coo under her wing, determined to bring Coo into a life she's missed out on. Fun, sweet, and thoughtful, Coo is bound to become a modern classic among beloved tales of children and animals.
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January 2, 2020What a great start to 2o2o!
Coo is a delightful uplifting read. (Yes, you do need to suspend your belief a bit, but it is worth it.) As a middle grade novel, it hits all right notes. I loved Coo and her amazing world. This book made me smile a lot.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Coo is a delightful uplifting read. (Yes, you do need to suspend your belief a bit, but it is worth it.) As a middle grade novel, it hits all right notes. I loved Coo and her amazing world. This book made me smile a lot.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2020
I would have said this was a good but “conventional” feral child book, except I think such books may not be as common now as they were in the past, though the tropes might still be familiar to children from things like the Disney Jungle Book movie of 2016. I think fans of The One and Only Ivan might enjoy this one.
February 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Telling someone that a girl was raised by pigeons sounds weird, but it was actually a pleasure to read. I listened the the audio version, and the accents and speech patterns were entertaining and held my interest. Coo is determined to save her flock. One child can make a difference.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews