A Pigeon's Tale by S.A. Mahan is the cute little story of a young pigeon called Walter, who has the responsibility of leading his human friends to safety from the destruction of the Big One. Walter escaped the claws of a wildcat and finally finds a human family who takes care of him. Walter also has to find ways to survive the Big One which going to end the human race. Sir Alfred Jerome, his human friend who is also a scientist, has built a shining city in the sky, Skynest, to save the children from destruction. Alfred Jerome will need Walter's help and also that of the Great White Stork to save his granddaughter, Dottie. Will Walter be able to help? Will Walter emerge to be the hero in this survival game?

This story will captivate not only children, but also adults. Its a classic story with a lot of fluid movements that make it fast paced and exciting for readers. The plot has many layers that keep the interest going till the very end. Readers get to know more about pigeons and their history by the time they complete the book. It throws light on the pigeon like never before. The story is well written and Walter Pigeon's character is memorable. Children will love Walter. The educational side of the story is also useful for kids to improve their knowledge about pigeons. It's a delightful book worth reading.

A Pigeon's Tale by S.A. Mahan is the epic story of a homing pigeon forced from his home who ultimately becomes the hero of a natural doomsday not too far in the future. His education by Old Dude begins his journey, which leads him to human friendships with scientist Grandpa and eight-year-old Dottie, who communicates with him through a computer. Walter Pigeon, also known as Squeaker, also known as Professor, tells this tale from his past himself, typing it with his beak -- because he is that smart and special and the great-great-great-grandson of Cher Ami -- plus he has the collective knowledge of thousands of generations and morphic resonance, too.

If you have a pre-conceived notion of pigeons as just the scavengers of the parking lot, be prepared to think differently by the end of this book. Author S.A. Mahan weaves pigeon facts and even some quantum physics with the development of a varied cast of characters and coming of age adventures, ultimately reaching a crescendo in an ending that is both frightening yet full of hope. I think this would be a great book for intelligent middle-schoolers with reading skills well beyond their grade level, but who still need a story within their emotional age. The book does include some scary and sad scenarios, but the fact that the story carries through them to the golden vision beyond is a lesson in itself. A Pigeon's Tale is in some ways so unique it defies categorization, but if I had to compare it to something, I'd say it's like Bambi and the Rats of Nimh riding through A Wrinkle in Time on Noah's Ark.