The Two Doves

A beloved emblem of world peace—the dove—comes to life in this moving story that introduces Pablo Picasso and his art to young readers. “A little white dot in the great sky,” a dove sails over the earth looking for a place to land. She soars over a series of intriguing landscapes: rocky plains filled with strange objects; an abandoned circus; a deserted barn. Finally she meets a friend—a wounded blue dove. The two birds travel until the blue dove collapses in a garden where Picasso is painting with a group of children. Together the children and the artist help the wounded dove. Then the two doves fly away to spread peace in other parts of the world. Illustrated with bold, arresting gouache and watercolor paintings, this simple story packs in powerful meaning. Samples of Picasso’s other artworks and styles are cleverly included in the book, allowing readers the chance to learn about one of the world’s greatest artists—and one of his most enduring symbols.

Geraldine Elschner is the author of numerous books including The Cat and the Bird and Where is the Frog (both by Prestel). She lives in Heidelberg.