Named one of “The Best Children’s Books of the Year” by the Children’s Book Committee and the Bank Street College ofEducationFinalist for the Animal Behavior Society's 2021 Outstanding Children's Book Award"The story of the monthlong, 4,000-mile migration of a European turtle dove from his nesting site in an English gardento rural Mali. Dunphy's account is based on the migration of a real bird of this species that was tracked with satellitetelemetry by Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. A series of warm, colorful illustrations is pairedwith a narrative describing each stage in the bird's journey. The conversational third-person narration folds in lots ofinformation: about how the bird knows where he is going—instinct, the sun, and recognition of landmarks from previousflights; why he flies at night (to avoid predators); where he hides during the day; and the various dangers of the trip,including heat, dust, and weather. Interesting details are included, such as the astonishing fact that the dove travelsover the English Channel faster than the ships crossing it. The moving, engaging story is told with just the right blendof poetic warmth and factual detail to satisfy curious budding naturalists: "Luckily, this [Sahara Desert sandstorm] isrelatively mild, and the turtle dove flies above it—much like an airplane can fly above a rainstorm." A closing essaydescribes why this species is thought to migrate and notes that it is sadly on the decline due to changes inagricultural practices, hunting, drought, and disease. A compelling introduction to the miracle of migration. (map,resources) (Informational picture book. 6-10)"—Kirkus Reviews"Every year, turtle doves living in England and throughout Europe set out on an epic journey. In August or September,these birds fly off on a migratory pathway that takes them to Mali on the continent of Africa. This trip will encompassfour thousand miles of flight and will take a month to complete. Flying at night to avoid predators, the doves first flyacross the European continent, then cross over to Africa at Gibraltar, fly over the Sahara Desert, and finally arrive attheir migratory destination. For six months, the doves live in their African habitat before returning north to raisetheir families in Europe. It is the story of the turtle dove, and its amazing migration, that readers will encounter inthis lovely illustrated book. The story of the turtle doves migration is well-told in the informative text, and thecolorful illustrations are a true augmentation to the story of these redoubtable birds. The author concludes the bookwith an informative summation of these amazing birds and the extreme challenges they face in their battle to survive asa species. Turtle doves are in danger of extinction due to habitat loss and environmental damage wrought by humanbeings. By learning more about the fantastic journeys turtle doves undertake, perhaps young people will betterunderstand that our actions can have dire consequences for other living beings. This lovely book is a wonderful sourceof information and one that young readers with a bent for nature studies will enjoy."—Children's Literature“This turtle dove's journey was based on the migration of a real turtle dove that was tracked by satellite telemetry.Readers can follow the turtle dove as he begins to become restless in a garden in Suffolk, England and knows that it istime for him to migrate south. The turtle dove waits until night, when it is safer from predators, to travel the 4,000miles from England to Mali. His month long journey takes him through England, France, Spain, and Africa until he finallyarrives in Mali. Flying over land and water he stops each day to rest and eat for the next night's journey. Thisbeautifully written story about the journey of one turtle dove gives young readers a glimpse into the natural world ofmigration. (Ages 4-8)”—KIDSbookshelf“Starting in the prim hedges of Suffolk, England, instinct drives the dove high into the night skies for a 4,000 miletrip to the savannahs of Mali, in West Africa. Along the way there are lonely, moonlit flights above the sea, a cozyhideout in the bushes of Bordeaux, France, a meeting of the birds at Gibraltar, the fountains of Casablanca, windsflowing “like a river” down canyons of the Atlas Mountains, and a Sahara sandstorm churning below. A combination ofhero’s journey and guided tour, ‘The Turtle Dove’s Journey: A Story of Migration’ is picture account of the turtledove’s annual migration that will carry children’s imaginations into unexplored territories. With carefully researchedprose by author Madeleine Dunphy and showcasing beautifully luminous paintings by artist/illustrator Marlo Garnsworthy,‘The Turtle Dove’s Journey: A Story of Migration’ is especially recommended for family, elementary school, and communitylibrary collections as being perfect for any young reader ages 5-9 who has ever wondered about the mysterious journeysof the Turtle Dove.”—Midwest Book Review
