Dr Coo and the Pigeon Protest by Sarah Hampson illustrated by Kass Reich

"Dr Coo knew things. And he knew he had a problem. Or rather, he could see there was a problem with pigeons."

Dr Coo (I guess you know he is a pigeon!) gathers his friends to discuss the issue - "humans hate us". Dr Coo remembers how things were so different in the past. Pigeons delivered news of the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece. Pigeons delivered messages to soldiers in World War I. Once, long ago, pigeons were a sign of "peace and love and wisdom and beauty". It is time for action and that action is via absence. The pigeons leave the city. The city is empty, eerie. Dr Coo is a clever negotiator. He writes a letter to the Mayor explaining the issues and setting conditions. 

This book introduces the idea to young children that they can stand up for what they believe in, and change what they don’t think is right. The Tiny Activist

This book could be used to spark classroom discussions on respecting differences, working out disagreements, or stepping up to counter injustice, all important subjects for the budding self-awareness and personal development of young children. Kids Can Press

Dr Coo and the Pigeon Protest is a book that you can read to a young child (aged 5+) and then use again with a group of older students. It would be perfect for our History topic here in Australia - Australia as a Nation: 

"Students will continue to learn about the roles, rights and responsibilities people have within society and the development of Australian democracy."

My stage three classes explore many aspects of this topic on Democracy in our school library including suffragettes and the fight for the vote and methods of protesting - legal and illegal. I really enjoyed the peaceful and yet powerful protest employed by Dr Coo. It's a great example of boycotting.

Kass Reich from Canada is the illustrator of  twelve picture books including some others about birds. You might also use this book for a mini unit about pigeons. My friend at Kinderbookswitheverything has a post about Pigeon Day with some excellent books to explore.  Here are some of my favourite pigeon books (here is a Pinterest from Kinderbookboard) and a photo of a wonderful plush pigeon available from Taronga Zoo in Sydney.

For a focus on activism and protesting take a look at these books: