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Lofty’s mission- Krista Bell and David Miller   

Target phase: Middle/Upper Primary

Harley McNamara helps his father to breed and train racing pigeons, but when his father selects his favourite squeaker, Lofty, to serve as a carrier pigeon in the war, Harley is heart-broken. Not just a touching story of a boy’s love for his pet, this stunning picture book gives valuable information about this war time practice. Miller’s distinctive paper sculptures bring this story to life. (Classroom Resource Review supplied by Library Services. For the full review visit the Central Library catalogue.)
 
What an amazing bird Lofty proved to be! He actually won a war medal - the Dickin Medal which recognises animals that displayed bravery while serving with the armed forces in the Second World War.

Get into this rap to find out more about the Dickin medal, animals in war and have a go at paper craft.

RAP point 1: 
The Dickin Medal - find out more about the medal and the woman who started it.

RAP point 2:
A life of bravery - investigate Lofty's life.

RAP point 3:  
Animal art - try your hand at paper sculpture.

Rap Timetable
Rap Point 1	Open 1st April 2009
Rap Point 2	Open 8th April 2009
Rap Point 3	Open 22nd April 2009

Expand your mind!  Other titles to explore:

Amazing animals  by Christine Alesich - Suitable for Years 6-7
Animal heroes  by Anthony Hill - Years 5-12
Simpson and Duffy by Mary Small - Years 1-5
Simpson and his donkey by Mark Greenwood - Years 3-7
Feathered soldiers: an illustrated tribute to Australia’s wartime messenger pigeons by Vashti Farrer - Years 4-8