The Language of Doves by Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by Greg Shed. 32 p., Dial, 1996. Julietta's grandfather gives her a dove for her sixth birthday, and Julietta names her Isabella. Her grandfather tells her how he kept doves at the monastery where he was raised as an orphan. One dove, also named Isabella, is very special to him. At the age of nine, along with his doves, he is drafted into World War I to send messages within the army. His Isabella is seriously injured, yet manages to come home to him. He cares for her and keeps her safe. Just after Julietta turns nine, her grandfather dies. Her Isabella, who was at his house, has been sold with his other doves to an out-of-state breeder. Yet she returns home to Julietta, bearing a message of love and hope from Grandfather. This story offers children hope of maintaining connections and caring in spite of war, and beyond death. Ages 7-11
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