Architecture According to Pigeons - by Stella Gurney & Speck Lee Tailfeather (Hardcover)

About the Book

A perfect introduction for children 7+ to the most beautiful buildings in the world and the basic principles of architecture using a fun, lively and engaging way of learning

Book Synopsis

In a bid to improve ever worsening relations between our two species, pigeon elder Speck Lee Tailfeather has been elected by his peers to reveal to human beings the truth about pigeons' finer sensibilities.

It is already a little known fact that pigeons are amongst some of the most intelligent creatures in the world. However, Speck plans to divulge more. Namely that - far from the perceived pests who plague our buildings - pigeons are in fact great admirers and aficionados of architecture. It is of course for this reason that they can be found in great numbers around the most beautiful and significant buildings in the world.

It's Speck's dear wish that, through these latest revelations, bridges will be built between our two species, ending once and for all the terrible pi-geonocide practised by humankind.

After thorough investigation, Speck picks renowned international arts publisher, Phaidon Press, to be the vehicle for his message. One morning, heart beating wildly, he flies in through an open window to an empty Phaidon office and, using the keyboard, pecks out these words:

"Hello. I am Speck. There is something you need to know."

Communicating through such typed messages, Phaidon agrees to send Speck on a journey around the world to visit his favourite buildings, and then to publish his writings about them. Here, in Architecture (According to Pigeons), we read his account of this journey, with information and opinions on the buildings he visits, as well as his musings on many aspects of architecture.

Architecture (According to Pigeons) ends with a post-script from Speck. He urges every young reader to go and find out about and appreciate the architecture about which he was so passionate ... and of course, to be kinder to pigeons.

Review Quotes

"[A] fun and engaging book for children ages 7 and up is the perfect introduction to the basic principles of architecture."--360 West Magazine

"Colorful, visually dense."--Wall Street Journal

"Airy but informative and sure to tempt young readers into taking closer looks at the buildings (and pigeons) around them."--Kirkus Reviews

"A great way to brush up on your architectural essentials, no matter what age you are."--Architizer.com

"Perfect for the child who loves to build and create."--Washington Post

"Children will enjoy the interesting and entertaining facts that accompany each building... The buildings are brought alive by the talented artist Natsko Seki, who uses her stylish and unique technique of merging art and photos into a digital collage... I'm sure that after reading this delightful and quirky book which includes over 40 fascinating structures, children will look at pigeons and architecture in a new way - I know I do."--Montessori International

"Accompanied by gorgeous collages, this book eloquently explores what makes buildings-from Fallingwater to Brasilia to the Church of Light-unique... Tailfeather's love of architecture shines through with poetic and thoughtful insights."--Architecture MN

About the Author

Natsko Seki was born in 1976, grew up in Tokyo, studied illustration in Brighton, and made her way to London where she now lives and works. Inspired by architecture, vintage culture and fashion from different ages and cultures, Natsko creates vibrant cityscapes and enjoys applying her friends and family members into her illustrations by collaging photos from her old family albums and her own photographs.