The Real Poop on Pigeons!

McCloskey (We Dig Worms!) shifts focus to another oft-maligned animal, smoothly mixing naturalism with offbeat visual humor. When a bearded park visitor expresses his dislike for pigeons, a brigade of children dressed in pigeon costumes descend and proceed to explain why pigeons are wonderful. “Before airplanes, pigeon carried the first airmail!” notes one child, while others highlight that the birds fly faster than cars, mate for life, and have a number of showy breeds. Even Picasso—a renowned pigeon lover—makes an appearance. McCloskey’s enthusiasm for his subject is abundantly clear, and he nails the ending with a gag involving another urban standby: the squirrel. Ages 5–up. (Apr.)