Parrots

Children's Literature

This introduction to parrots is a simple text about the varying breeds and the pet potential of these birds. Its primary focus is to encourage readers to consider a parrot as a home companion. There is a bit of historical information about parrots, as well as facts concerning their natural habitat and character. Readers learn about parrot care and training techniques. The text does not do a good job convincing the reader to choose a parrot as a pet, as it is somewhat bland and dull. However, the colorful photographs of the birds may be the key to success in the attempt to persuade, as they are entertaining, bright and attractive. Young students looking to write a nonfiction report will find this elementary book a useful choice. Part of the "Perfect Pets" series. 2001, Benchmark Books, $22.79. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Andrea Sears Andrews

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Both of these attractive series entries begin with a history of the animal and information on how it made the transition from wild to domestic life. Next is a general discussion about the creature, including mention of the different varieties and care and feeding. The texts are presented in continuous blocks, occasionally broken by sidebars that contain an anecdote or interesting facts. At times, these asides disrupt the flow of the narratives, making them a bit difficult to follow, but in general, the writing is clear and informative, with unfamiliar terms boldfaced and defined in a glossary. The last portion of each book provides useful tips about training one's pet. These sections are probably the strongest assets, as they provide the most detail. Because the rest of the information is fairly general, readers seeking more in-depth advice would be better served by the "ASPCA Pet Care Guides for Kids" series (DK) or entries in the "True Books" series (Children's), such as Elaine Landau's Parrots and Parakeets as Pets (1997). Colorful, nicely detailed, framed photographs and reproductions of the animals are interspersed throughout. These interesting books would be good starting points for research and will appeal to both casual browsers and young pet enthusiasts.-Arwen Marshall, formerly at New York Public Library Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.