Manfred J. von Vulte (1970- ), a graduate of York University, has been teaching Grades Four and Five for a number of years at Northmount School in Toronto. He has written several books: "The Tale of the Giant Pigeon" (2005 Borealis), which contains two children's stories, and "Where Have All of Toronto's Germans Gone" (2003 Borealis), a book of history.

   For as long as he can remember, Francis, the red tabby cat, has searched the night for the mysterious Giant Pigeon. While not chasing after his next meal or bugging his pal Francis, he and his trusted and frequently hungry friend, Joseph, pursued the elusive bird through the backyards and rooftops of the world. One summer weekend, a strange shadow will cast itself on the lawn of Francis´ home just before he is set to go and meet the fearful creature known only as "The Saint". Follow four animal friends as they seek to unlock some of the most well-kept secrets of a small Canadian town.
   The Cat´s Reward: Horatio was the Master´s most prized possession and he knew it! The orange cat was the only one of his kind and unfortunately constantly getting himself in trouble over the search for the perfect dessert. Journey with him as he learns the lessons of greatfulness, sharing, and responsibility, while riding with the great camel caravans of the distant past. As he grows older, he protects a baby from danger and learns to put away his selfish thoughts, earning him and his kind a gift that has lasted for 2000 years.

   Although, for sometime they were reported to be the third largest ethnic group in Canada and the first in the United States; little has been done to examine their identity and post World War II immigration history in Canada, and for that matter Toronto.
   The reason being the German-Canadians have staged the most impressive disappearing act of the 20th Century by a staggering amount of people in Canada. This book will seek to examine this fascinating history of assimilation and adaptation providing insights from German clubs, churches, associations, and many of the immigrants themselves. Along with this, it will share in some never-before-seen images of this large, yet elusive cultural group.