Chinese twins Mei-Mei and Di-Di raise their two doves to fly freely, but to return home, just as Mama (mother) and Baba (father) expect their children to behave. When grateful Baba gives the doves to his brother in return for his help on the family’s farm, the twins are sad but don’t communicate their hurt feelings to their busy father. When Uncle Baldy returns, the twins hide in his wagon and travel to his house, only to discover that their birds have flown away. Fearing punishment when they return home, the remorseful girl and boy discover that their beloved doves have come back and that Mama and Baba are anxiously awaiting the twins. Set in the rural northern countryside, the only clue that the story may take place in modern times is that the girl also attends school. The gouache paintings have the vibrant folk-art feeling of Chinese paintings done in the last few decades, but show no signs of contemporary life. An additional purchase, but will be enjoyed for its attractive illustrations. (Picture book. 5-8)
