Angelo by David Macaulay
From the creator of The New Way Things Work, Castle, and Black and White, comes a poignant tale of a very curious friendship. Angelo is an old Italian craftsman who restores facades of Roman buildings. Sweeping away feathers and twigs left "by generations of thoughtless pigeons" one day, Angelo comes face to beak with his nemesis. This pigeon isn't looking so good, though, and in spite of himself, Angelo takes her home and brings her back to health, grumpily commenting, "Mamma mia! I restore walls, not pigeons." It's not long before this lonely old man grows attached to the bird, though, and makes a touching, lasting gesture to her in the final hours before his death.
David Macaulay's unusual story is funny and touching, if jarring at times, as when the narrative makes inexplicable leaps with no transition. He uses his familiar illustrative style to greatest effect in depicting the clutter of Roman rooftops and close-ups of crumbling walls and sculpture's toes. Also lovely are the images of twigs and feathers that frame the book, scattered even across the dedication and copyright pages. (Ages 6 to 8) (amazon.com)
Author & illustrator
Author: David Macaulay
The author is also the illustrator.
Topics from the book:
Visit each topic page for downloads, lessons, etc. specific to that topic.
Units, Activities, and Resources for Angelo
Bird Diagram Printable
Create a bird puzzle with this bird diagram printable.
Why are we featuring this book?
Angelo is a book featured in Five in a Row, a literature-based unit study curriculum. Many families use FIAR for all but the grammar/reading and math, and others use it in conjunction with other resources. Above is information about the author and illustrator, story summaries, and links to lesson plans and websites that are great go-alongs for Angelo. Please note that these resources are meant to complement, not replace, the Five in a Row units. The Five in a Row volumes are inexpensive and well worth the investment.
