By Leo Politi
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1948
A young boy named Juan and his old friend Julian watch the swallows as they make their homes in the mission where Julian works. Julian motivates Juan to make his own little garden in order to attract the cheerful families of migratory birds. The birds fly south for the winter, but when they return, Juan is overjoyed to find that a pair of swallows has taken up residence at his new garden.
The story takes place in a southern California mission village, harkening to the initial colonization of the Americas by missionaries. Great for American history courses and young children.
Awards: The Caldecott Medal
Accessed: Augusta County Library
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