Pidge’s Poppies (Jan Andrews, illus Timothy Ide, Ford St)

Pidge’s Poppies by Jan Andrews, illustrated by Timothy Ide (Medieval Monsters and Other Creatures), is a charming lesson on the role of carrier pigeons during war, encouraging young readers to engage with Australian history through an intriguing and lesser-known lens. Based on the true story of two pigeons who nested in poppies at the Australian War Memorial in 2019, in this book, we meet Pidge and her mate Henry. They share stories of their ancestors who were sent from Australia to carry messages across battlefields during the world wars, saving the lives of many soldiers and often sacrificing their own along the way—some were even awarded medals for their service and bravery. After listening to a tour guide discuss the importance of poppies, they build a nest and draw the attention of journalists who share the story of carrier pigeons in wartime. The detailed pictures by Ide add an endearing layer to the story, with imagery showcasing the personality of the feathered protagonists, as well as the immensity of the Australian War Memorial. The story comes full circle with a touching ending, brimming with remembrance and hope. Aimed at children aged 6+, Pidge’s Poppies will make an excellent starting point for primary classroom discussions about Anzac Day.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Karys McEwen is a librarian, bookseller, author, and the vice president of CBCA VIC Branch. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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