Only a Pigeon

by Jane Kurtz, Christopher Kurtz, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

A lyrical picture book inspired by the daily life of "pigeon boys" in EthiopiaSome might say that Ondu-ahlem's favorite bird, Chinkay, is only a pigeon. But to the young boy from Addis Ababa, Chinkay is everything that is proud, beautiful, and free. Ondu-ahlem watches over his flock like a mother, feeding the orphaned chicks and guarding the birds from the attacks of stray animals. Finally, his care and training are put to the test as two birds are set free in a nerve-wracking game that tries their homing instinct and loyalty. Left on the ground, Ondu-ahlem can only hope that Chinkay will return. Elegant prose and stunning watercolor paintings dramatically capture both the poverty and beauty of life in a modern Ethiopian city.

Genres: Ethiopia, Picture Books, Africa, Animals, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1997

About the author

Jane Kurtz was born in Portland, Oregon, but when she was two years old, her parents moved to Ethiopia. Jane grew up in Maji, a small town in the southwest corner of the country.
Since there were no televisions, radios, or movies, her memories are of climbing mountains, wading in rivers by the waterfalls, listening to stories, and making up her own stories, which she and her sisters acted out for days at a time.


That love of nature has recently inspired her to write books about loving the Earth--such as WHAT DO THEY DO WITH ALL THAT POO? and PLANET JUPITER.

Jane has published more than 40 books, fiction, nonfiction, picture books, novels for young readers, and ready-to-reads. Some are based on her childhood in Ethiopia. Some draw on her own children, such as ANNA WAS HERE, a novel for young readers that asks life's big questions about pain and disaster--and offers a few puny answers.

Since her childhood in Ethiopia, Jane has lived in Illinois, Colorado, North Dakota, Kansas and--now--back in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of this young boy, and his pigeons, will touch the hearts of all who read it. Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, is far away and yet Jane and Christopher Kurtz draw us gently, deeply into Ondu-ahlem’s days. His love for his birds speaks volumes and I will remember this tale for years to come.

[Winnie Kuster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ondu-ahlem is a very responsible boy who takes care of his family and pigeons. The birds are all that he owns in the world, and he nurtures them tenderly and protects them from a hungry mongoose.He shares his delight in some ready-to-hatch eggs with his little brother and competes with his friends as they race many of their favourite pigeons home.

This is a good read. Only a Pigeon is one of many books that can help children appreciate the reality of human diversity and increase children’s empathy with people of other cultures. Children can experience the wishes, dreams, and problems of people around the world and discover that all people share a need for love, hope, and security.

I recommend this book to be read during a PHSE lesson. Children can learn how the use of words can create positive or negative feelings.
Interesting discussions about the distances pigeons can cover after a period of training. How they were used to deliver messages across the world. Children will be able to learn about other countries and continents.

[EDUC535 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by J. Broten

This book takes place in Ethiopia and about a boy, Ondu-ahlem. Ondu-ahlem who helps take care of his brothers and pigeons. The book shows what Ondu-ahlem does throughout the day and night, as well as whathe does to protect and take care of his pigeons. Ondu-ahlem and his brothers wait for the day that he can race his favorite pigeon Chinkay. Racing pigeons is a game that the boys play.
The watercolor illustrations throughout the book are life like and really help create the setting of the book. This multicultural book based on an Ethiopian boy’s story would be a great book for grades 3-6 to be introduced to Ethiopia and what children’s lives are like. I would use this book to prompt students to write about similarities they have with Ondu-ahlem and what their differences are.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Media: Rendered in Watercolor
The book starts off about a young boy who watches over Pigeons. He leaves to go to school and to work to make money. He makes his money so that he can buy things that his family will need. Although it seems like they are just birds, they are worth much more to him.

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ondu-ahlem trains his pigeons in this tale of a modern Ethiopian street child effectively illustrated with watercolors.