Only a Pigeon

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.