Royal Blue is a racing pigeon with an impressive pedigree, and he’s not shy in sharing it with everyone. He is from a long line of racing pigeons belonging to Royalty, and is now one of a flock of birds owned by King George.

When he unexpectedly gets to meet the King one day, Blue is overjoyed, preening and plumping up his feathers to look his best. The king admires Blue’s strong body and sleek plumage, saying he is perfect as he holds Blue in his hands. Afterwards, Blue’s head is full of thoughts of a special pigeon race the king must want to enter him in, but Blue’s friend Kahn isn’t so sure.

Things are changing around them. Talk of a coming war is backed up by rolls of barbed wire stretching across their beach, sirens going off all the time and the king’s Sandringham beautiful flower gardens are being dug up to grow vegetables!

Kahn was right. Blue isn’t in line for a race. He is to be signed up for military service as a messenger pigeon. Not wanting to admit it – he’s scared for the first time in his life. His new home is at a airforce base, and the sound of the planes roaring around him frighten him further. The self imposed leader of their flock wants to knock the hoity toity ways out of Royal Blue – calling him Bluey instead. Luckily, two other pigeons are kinder to Blue as he learns his new job.

Being thrown out of a plane is terrifying, but he uses his excellent navigational skills to get back to base. Then it’s an official mission for Blue, which goes much worse than anticipated. Blue sheds his fear and his skills shine through.

Becoming an actual military spy was never on Blue’s radar, but soon he is thrown out of another plane into occupied France under a parachute. Will he be handed into enemy hands, onto the French Resistance, or eaten by a starving family?

This is a fascinating story about brave pigeons risking their lives in duty to their country. King George and Princess Elizabeth also have small roles in this story set during World War II.

It’s a story of courage, friendship, growing up, responsibility and is based on three real military pigeons who received actual medals for bravery after saving many lives – even while wounded themselves.

The afterword on these birds is full of amazing facts. 1000’s of pigeons were part of the war effort, these birds being the most awarded of 53 animals to receive the Dickin Medal. Learn more about this at the end of this wonderful story.

A sprinkling of illustrations are throughout the novel, sharing Royal Blue’s story.

A engaging read full of action, heart, loyalty and character growth, all while learning about these brave birds who are much aligned today.

Author – Beverley McWilliams

Age – 8+

Read a Chapter Here

Teacher’s Notes Here

(2023, Pantera Press, Birds, Pigeons, World War II, WWII, World War 2, Action, War planes, Air Force Base, England, UK, Europe, Bombing, Spies, Messengers, Based on real birds, Royalty, King George, Princess Elizabeth, Bravery, Courage, Growing Up, Friendships, Loyalty, Overcoming Fears, Adventure, Love, Medals)