Gayneck: The Story of a Pigeon

Dhan Gopal Mukerji


The heartwarming and sometimes almost heartbreaking story of the training and care of a carrier pigeon. Writing out of his own experience as a boy in India, Dhan Mukerji tells how Gay-Neck's master, an eager, highly-sensitive lad, sent his prized pigeon to serve in World War I, and of how, because of his exceptional training and his brave heart, Gay-Neck served his new masters heroically.

The striking black decorations by Boris Artzybasheff emphasize the spirit of daring and achievement which is the keynote of all Gay-Neck's adventures. We find our own spirits soaring as we follow Gay-Neck on his many flights--now from the housetops of Dentam in India, now to the homeland of the eagles in the Himalayas, and even among the circling airplanes of nations at war.

Here is more than just a simple story of a pigeon's training and adventuring, for Gay-Neck is truly a carrier pigeon, a bearer of messages, and his messages are words of courage and love.

1928 Newbery Honor Books:

The Wonder Smith and His Son (Ella Young)
Downright Dencey (Caroline Snedeker)


Last updated: December 2003

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