Anyone who has ever met Helen Ivey knows she brings her whole heart to everything she does—whether it’s teaching science at Valley Jr. High, whipping up a family dinner, or sitting down for a simple chat with friends. That same passion shines in her first children’s book, Night Pigeons, which has struck a chord with readers across Jasper and beyond.
The Jasper native is more than a teacher or writer; she’s a cornerstone of her community. A lifelong resident of Walker County, she has spent decades inspiring young minds at Valley Jr. High School. Known for her engaging teaching style, Helen has a way of bringing science to life—whether it’s through hands-on experiments or encouraging her students to see the world with curiosity. “Every question has a story behind it,” she often tells her students, a motto reflecting her teaching and storytelling approach.
Outside the classroom, Helen is known as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her faith and family are the anchors of her life, and she makes it clear that they are the driving forces behind her creativity.
The inspiration for Night Pigeons struck over two decades ago when her four-year-old granddaughter suggested they take a camping trip. To those looking only through physical eyes, their trek to the wild jungles of the Amazon was similarly striking to Helen’s downtown backyard. However, it was evident that her granddaughter was seeing the adventure through her heart and imagination.
During the night, the younger of the ladies spoke of “night pigeons,” a whimsical idea that caught Helen off guard. To her, these imaginary birds seemed to mirror the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit, often offering comfort in trying moments of our lives. Helen remembers, “She looked at me with her sweet eyes and said, ‘Gran, I hear them in my heart.’ That moment was so meaningful that I knew it had to be shared.”
The book captures the innocence of childhood and underlines the importance of truly listening to the young voices in our lives. Helen intentionally avoided explicitly naming the Holy Spirit or God in the narrative, believing that readers should find their own meaning in the night pigeons. She mentioned, “I never use the labeling of the Holy Spirit. I never used God’s name in the book. I think that’s the Holy Spirit’s job.” Her approach allows the story to resonate with a broader audience, letting readers interpret the night pigeons in a way that speaks to them personally.
The book’s illustrations are just as heartfelt as the story itself. At the suggestions of mutual friends, Helen met with an art teacher from North Alabama who used Ivey family photographs to create deeply personal images. “She captured the essence of my granddaughter, my family, and even her childhood pet. The illustrations are so vibrant and full of life. They truly bring the story to another level,” Helen shares.
Since it hit the bookshelves, readers of all ages have connected with Night Pigeons. Recently, at a reading hosted by the Jasper Library, kids laughed at the colorful illustrations while grandparents shared how the story reminded them of special moments with their own families. One grandparent shared with Helen, “This book reminded me of the little moments I used to share with my own grandchildren. It’s a reminder to cherish every second.”
While the book’s success is still growing, Helen is already diving into her plans for a sequel, The Return of the Night Pigeons. This follow-up takes readers on a new adventure full of discovery, hope, and faith. In the next edition, her granddaughter, now older and exploring the Scottish Highlands, reconnects with the mysterious night pigeons as they reveal their true identity to her. Helen promises the story expands themes introduced in the first book while exploring new dimensions of purpose.
For Helen, Night Pigeons is more than just a book—it’s a labor of love and a tribute to her granddaughter. “She has brought so much joy and meaning to my life,” Helen says. “Writing this book is my way of showing her how deeply she has impacted me.” She reflects deeply on the love that inspired her story, sharing that she has often heard pastors say that when a child is born, it’s the closest example we can fathom of God’s unconditional love. This reminds her of the story of King Solomon, where the true mother was willing to sacrifice her claim to her child rather than see harm come to them. For Helen, children represent more than love; they are our inheritance and the carriers of our prayers and blessings through generations.
Night Pigeons can be purchased online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Readers are also encouraged to inquire at local bookstores for availability. Helen welcomes invitations for speaking engagements, book readings, or community events and can be reached at [email protected]. She looks forward to sharing her heartfelt story, which began in her own backyard- a jungle deep inside the city limits.
