Review by Booklist Review
Parrots are known for their brains and beauty, but there is so much more behind these brilliant birds. There are hundreds of species, but what makes them all parrots? Readers are introduced to their new feathery friends in this friendly, funny volume, and it's a terrific mix of basic facts--eating habits, life spans, communication--and some astonishing tidbits (parrots can see ultraviolet light, and sometimes they can be found alongside penguins!). The educational aspect is offset by some hilarious wisecracks from the parrots themselves, though there is a serious note about human impact on parrot populations, as many species are dwindling due to habitat destruction and capture. The cartoon-like illustrations are comedic and colorful, just realistic enough to give a sense of each bird's plumage and habitat, and each parrot is labeled for easy identification. Frequent text boxes and separate panels make absorbing the information a breeze, and intrigued readers will find more suggested reading material in the back. Sure to inspire a new group of parrot proselytizers!
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
With the help of talkative parrots, Eaton's nature-loving protagonist learns about a family of wild birds beloved for their abilities to mimic human voices. In this engaging, appreciative title, a curious child meets a variety of parrots. The human representative here is a brown-skinned kid with curly, dark hair; the parrot species introduced include cockatoos, macaws, lorikeets, and the solitary, flightless kakapo. As per series norm, the narrative consists of simple statements of facts set directly on cartoon spreads. Further facts appear in boxes while humorous commentary comes from parrots themselves in speech bubbles. Often what they say in jest reinforces facts that have been introduced. The kakapo complains about crowds when the protagonist shares information with two friends; and the hyacinth macaws regard habitat destruction and comment, "We should say something." The humor is broad, sometimes cheerfully exaggerated, but often it introduces even more facts. Grey parrots are shown in lab experiments naming and describing objects--and also asking for a grant application to be typed, which makes an observing gorilla (gorillas have also learned to communicate with humans) remark that "apparently anything goes in this book." There is clearly instructive purpose behind the zaniness that will make readers see parrots as more than just potential pets. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Not just chatter, but a welcome and informative conclusion to a successful series of animal introductions. (further facts, further research) (Informational picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
