Perfect Pigeons

July 15, 2020
Birds of a feather flock together (but they can still like different things). Nine pigeons introduce themselves as a perfect flock, reasoning they are so "because we are all perfectly the same." And while physically they are all similar, save for variations in the colors of their throat bands, it's obvious from the front endpapers that one blue-banded bird is a little different. For starters, that particular pigeon sports a pair of hip red glasses and has a singular approach to life. Why walk barefoot through the park when instead you can wear flashy cowboy boots? Why fly from place to place in regular fashion when instead you can wear a cape and show off your superhero moves? As the flock reminds readers of their perfect uniformity, they eventually grow frustrated with the cheerful outlier's eccentricities, challenging its uniqueness. Unperturbed, the maverick holds its ground and encourages the rest of the flock to explore things they like, helping the other birds to learn that individuality doesn't reduce their connection; it just allows them room to explore their individual interests. The pithy text and bright, humorous illustrations (the pigeons look like simplified bowling pins with wings) work in tandem to deliver moments of quiet amusement. The story overall doesn't tread new ground, but it treads old ground admirably. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 100% of actual size.) Feather your nest with this book. (Picture book. 4-8)

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