About the Holiday

When you see pigeons gathering around park benches or scuttling along urban outdoor areas looking for crumbs or lining up on electrical wires, you may not think much about them. They just seem part of the landscape. Learning more about National Pigeon Day, however, may change your ideas about these unassuming birds forever. The holiday was established by President Woodrow Wilson in acknowledgement of the historical and cultural significance of pigeons, particularly their contributions during World War I. Today, the holiday celebrates the important role they played in both world wars.

As the website BirdTipper explains, pigeons were used during both World Wars as “reliable and efficient messengers, providing a vital link between troops on the front lines and command centers. Their speed and homing ability made them indispensable for conveying important messages, often flying through dangerous conditions to deliver vital information. Numerous pigeons were awarded medals and honors for their service, highlighting their bravery and significance in wartime efforts.”

Today’s date was selected as National Pigeon Day to commemorate the death of one of the most famous World War I pigeons, Cher Ami. To read more about this incredible bird, including its role in saving nearly 200 soldiers despite being grievously injured, and more about how pigeons helped the war efforts, visit BirdTipper.

Thanks to Candlewick and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy of Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon!

Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon

Written by Sandra Nickel | Illustrated by Aimée Sicuro

The little pigeon was different right from the start—when he was still in the egg, even. Usually “pigeons arrive in twos . . . . But this time, there was only one.” The flock whispered and whispered. When the tiny bird hatched, his parents named him Seven in honor of “seven thousand miles . . . the farthest any pigeon has flown to get back home.” It “is considered a very lucky name.”

As Seven waited for his eyes to open and his feathers to sprout, he relished all the lovely scents that wafted to his nest. When he could finally fly, Seven soared to the flower shop to enjoy the aromas, and he picked up petals to fill his nest instead of twigs. On the way to the park with the flock, he veered off, distracted by the fragrant smell of rice. His mother scolded: “‘We stay with the flock. We stay with the flock.'” The flock whispered.

Seven’s father decided it was time to teach his son how to “home.” They left the city and headed into the country. Here, Seven was so captivated by all of the new scents that he didn’t listen to his father’s lesson to memorize the roads below. The flock was scandalized; his mother gave him another scolding. So Seven began toeing the line, but now he “didn’t feel dreamy or cozy or light as a feather.” And the flock? They continued to whisper.

Finally, it came time for The Big Flight, the annual commemoration of the famous 7,000-mile journey. Instead of 7,000 miles, though, the flock rode the train 700 miles away and would fly home. But soon the fog rolled in, thick and impenetrable. Without being able to see the road map below, the pigeons all flew in different directions. How would they find their way home?

But Seven knew just where to go, led on by the scents he loved so well. The flock fell into formation behind him and followed him home. There “Seven’s parents puffed out their feathers and added rose petals to their nest.” The rest of the flock added 700 more in celebration, and Seven’s parents wrapped their wings around him and held him close.

A discussion about pigeons, their behaviors, the different (and similar) ways the mother and father care for their young, and various theories on how pigeons home follows the story.

You will absolutely fall in love with Seven as he stays true to his distinct and savvy preference for scents despite the speculations of his flock in Sandra Nickel’s heartwarming tale. Nickel blends her talent for fiction and nonfiction in her depiction of pigeons’ nesting, flocking, and homing behaviors as well as highlighting the 7,000-mile flight undertaken by one adventurous pigeon. Nickel’s story is built on deeper underpinnings that these, however, as she spotlights the joy and comfort to be found in celebrating individual differences that make each person’s unique contributions to their family, friends, and community invaluable. Kids will cheer Seven on as he forges his own way.

Aimée Sicuro’s watercolor, gouache, and ink illustrations transport readers to lovely French cityscapes and countryside while embedding them with a lively flock of pigeons all aflutter over their newest member. Amplifying Nickel’s focus on individuality, Sicuro has given each pigeon its own markings and coloring, and their facial expressions leave no doubt about their feelings. Seven is especially expressive, from basking in delectable scents to dejectedly enduring scoldings and doubtful glances to leading the flock home with happy certainty and finally soaking up cozy hugs from his parents.

Seven: A Remarkable Pigeon is a gently told story full of love that celebrates individuality and builds self-esteem. The book is one that kids will want to hear again and again and is a must for home, classroom, and all library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Candlewick, 2025 | ISBN 978-1536235197

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About the Author

Sandra Nickel is a former lawyer who is now a dedicated children’s book author with many picture books under her belt, including The Stuff Between the Stars, Nacho’s Nachos, Big Bear and Little Fish, and Making Light Bloom. She is honored to be the winner of a Christopher Award, the winner of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Crystal Kite Award, a finalist for the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction for Younger Readers, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection honoree, and a Charlotte Huck Award Recommended author. She has presented workshops on writing for children and young adults throughout Europe and the United States. She lives with her family in Switzerland. Visit her at sandranickel.com and on Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X.

About the Illustrator

Aimée Sicuro is a creator of many picture books for kids. She is the author and illustrator of If You Spot a Shell, and If You Find a Leaf, which was nominated for the Ezra Jacks Keats Award.. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Parents magazine, and many other publications. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children. Visit her at aimeesicuro.com and on Instagram.

You can learn more about Blue Slip Media on Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram and on Twitter/X here and here.

National Pigeon Day Activity