In the Crusaders’ Kingdom

Dorit Orgad turns back to the 12th century to show that friendship can flourish in the most unlikely circumstances. Yehuda is the son of a Jewish doctor. Robert is the son of a French Crusader, the Prince of Tiberias. The two discover a mutual passion for Robert`s homing pigeons, which are trained to carry messages between Crusader commanders. As Saladin`s army approaches, Robert and his family must leave Tiberias for a distant fortress. The two boys exchange messages through the mail pigeons, but when his family flees again, Yehuda is forced to leave his pigeons behind. The sole surviving pigeon brings a final message from Robert, who is now returning to France after the defeat of his father`s forces. The historical details are enhanced by the use of original period art.

This exciting historical story was awarded the Bernstein Prize.