What You Need to Know:
• Follow a pigeon’s journey, as she takes the scenic route and gives readers a “bird’s eye” view of Rome.
• This picture book is for older readers – third grade and up.
• Originally published in 1997, it was reprinted in 2011.
• Macaulay’s book, Black and White received the Caldecott Medal in 1991.
• A 1997 Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year.
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Sweet Book Summary:
This unique book will inspire a love of architecture, travel and history. Each drawing is marked with the name of the building or area it represents, so that readers will know where the pigeon is flying. For readers who want additional information, the sights are described in more detail in the back of the book. The detailed drawings, done in black and white, offer an alluring peek into the city of Rome. The only color, a sweeping red line, zooms and swirls across the pages, revealing the flight of the pigeon. There is very little text on each page as the illustrations are really the story here. While it is done in picture book format, due to its length and subject, this book is really for older readers
The story begins as a homing pigeon flies off to Rome on a delivery assignment. Rather than taking her usual, efficient route, she makes an “unprofessional” decision and chooses to do some sightseeing along the way. Her flight takes her past famous buildings (like the Colosseum and The Forum), ancient ruins, gardens and squares. She runs into birds, cats, a dog and some fellow pigeons resting on a ledge. From her vantage point, she is able to observe the city from an unusual and special point of view. She sees ancient culture – Roman numerals carved into an old building – merge with the sign for a modern restaurant. She notices people going about their daily business, doing ordinary things like cleaning their houses. Mixed in with the historic architecture are contemporary elements like a cell phone and a postcard salesman wearing a slick outfit and sunglasses. After a long (and sometimes bumpy) trip, she returns home and delivers an answer to her employer, leaving the reader satisfied that the mission has been completed. |
Author: David Macaulay Illustrator: David Macaulay Published: 1997, 80 pages
Themes: Animals, Exquisite Illustrations, History, Travel |
Sweet Discussion Questions:
• Did this book make you want to travel to Rome or learn about the history of the city?
• What question do you think the pigeon answered?
• Do you know of other animals that do jobs that help people?
• Why does the pigeon decide to take the scenic route?
• Do you ever take the scenic route instead of following your usual routine?
• If you say Rome Antics quickly, what other word does it sound like?
• How does the name of the book fit the pigeon's flight?
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| This recommendation was written by: Melissa G. |
| Support Independent Book Shops: Click Here to Buy this Book on IndieBound |
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