Jacqueline of the Carrier Pigeons

“The hush of a golden May afternoon lay on the peaceful, watery streets of Leyden.” Thus begins the story of Jacqueline and her brother, Gysbert, but things do not remain peaceful for long. Leyden soon lies completely encircled by the Spanish army. With wonderfully trained carrier pigeons, determination to find a way out of the city, and a lot of courage, the two siblings believe they can help free Leyden. Augusta Huiell Seaman weaves rich historical detail into an engaging plot, complete with a father who has been missing for years, a nurse acting mysteriously, and a dangerous visitor to the city.

When we give a book to a child, we are giving him or her ideas and language that shape their hearts, minds, writing skills, and so much more, so books should be chosen carefully. The goal of The Good and the Beautiful Library is to help parents and children have access to a library of books that are of the best moral, literary, educational, and entertainment value—books like Jacqueline of the Carrier Pigeons .

(Reviewed by Jenny Phillips)