Mia’s abuela has left her sunny house with parrots and palm trees to live with Mia and her parents in the city. The night she arrives, Mia tries to share her favorite book with Abuela before they go to sleep and discovers that Abuela can’t read the words inside. So while they cook, Mia helps Abuela learn English (“Dough. Masa”), and Mia learns some Spanish too, but it’s still hard for Abuela to learn the words she needs to tell Mia all her stories.
Parrots
The Bossy Gallito\Gallo De Bodas
In this cumulative Cuban folktale, a bossy rooster dirties his beak when he eats a kernel of corn and must find a way to clean it before his parrot uncle’s wedding. Includes a glossary of Spanish words and information about the different birds in the story.
Join the discussion of The Bossy Gallito as well as other books set in Cuba on our My Take/Your Take page.
Parrots Over Puerto Rico
A combined history of the Puerto Rican parrot and the island of Puerto Rico, highlighting current efforts to save the Puerto Rican parrot by protecting and managing this endangered species.
Thank You, Mama
Alice’s parents get her a parrot for her birthday.
Pepi Sings a New Song
Pepi loves to sing. But he needs a new song. Will you help me find one?
Kakapo Rescue
On remote Codfish Island off the southern coast of New Zealand live the last ninety-one kakapo parrots on earth. These trusting, flightless, and beautiful birds—the largest and most unusual parrots on earth—have suffered devastating population loss. Now, on an island refuge with the last of the species, New Zealand’s National Kakapo Recovery Team is working to restore the kakapo population. With the help of fourteen humans who share a single hut and a passion for saving these odd ground-dwelling birds, the kakapo are making a comeback in New Zealand. Follow intrepid animal lovers Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop on a ten-day excursion to witness the exciting events in the life of the kakapo.
The Secret Message
Alone, imprisoned in a golden cage, and far from the jungles of home, a parrot longs for freedom. Will he ever escape?
Thanks to a secret mesage passed along by his friends in India, the parrot outwits his wealthy owner and soars to freedom. Based on an ancient Persian poem, The Secret Message is a story of surprising cleverness, powerful solidarity, exotic travels, and a simple wish fulfilled.
The Rich Man and the Parrot
And The Train Goes…
As assorted passengers comment on their train ride, and the train itself goes “Clickerty click, clickerty clack,” the station parrot is carefully listening to every sound.