The Brave Little Parrot [Hardcover]

Rafe Martin (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

When a raging fire threatens to burn down the forest, all of the animals run away in fear. All except for one brave little parrot, who has an idea. Help me, she cries to the elephants, beseeching them to fill their trunks with water to spray on the flames. Help me, she begs the cheetahs, even as they urge her to flee and save herself. But the brave little parrot will not be daunted. Can the determination and courage of one small bird be enough to save a forest? Susan Gaber's majestic illustrations and Rafe Martin's lyrical retelling bring to life an inspiring tale from ancient India that will speak to today's readers.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3AA retelling of a traditional Jataka tale from India. A gray parrot witnesses the start of a forest fire. She knows she can fly away to safety, but when she sees the devastation and other forest dwellers trapped by the fire, she tries to save them. She calls on the other animals to help, but they tell her it is hopeless. Bravely, she does what she can, carrying small drops of water on a leaf to pour on the enormous fire. In the heavens, some gods look down on the scene, laughing at the ridiculous situation. When one god takes the shape of an eagle and advises the small bird to stop and save herself, the parrot retorts, "I don't need advice. I just need help!" Touched by her courage and ashamed of his useless and selfish life, the eagle starts to weep. His tears quench the flames and bring new life. The little parrot is rewarded with colorful feathers where hers have been singed. Gaber's paintings are rich with lush greens and flaming oranges. The use of small paintings boxed within a larger boxed background results in an effective design element. This technique focuses viewers' awareness of how the small actions of one creature, though insignificant in the larger world, can contribute to that world's salvation. One such picture, a small drop of water framed above a roaring fire, is touching in its simplicity and power. The artwork strongly reinforces the message of this lovely story.AJudith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5^-8. In Martin's retelling of a traditional Indian jataka tale, a brave little gray parrot's labors against a forest fire come to the attention of the gods, one of whom sheds tears that save the forest and the animals and change the feathers of the parrot into flaming colors as a lasting remembrance. Gaber's moving, full-page, color illustrations increase the drama of the fire, showing the seeming impotence of even the most powerful forest creatures and emphasizing the precious beauty of water and its relationship to continued life. Children will celebrate the brave parrot's victory and ask for this story again and again. It's a wonderful choice for reading aloud. Karen Morgan

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (March 23, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039922825X
• ISBN-13: 978-0399228254
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #479,565 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Asian

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A profound message for children and adults, March 29, 2001

By 

Nancy Saltmarsh (Decatur, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Brave Little Parrot (Hardcover)

I can't speak highly enough of this book. Although endearing to children, its message is profound for all ages: If something is important to you, act, no matter what the odds of success. You never know what the outcome might be, or who might be inspired by your action. I remember "The Brave Little Parrot" when I think I can't be bothered to put a sign in my yard, write a senator, or speak out on a highly controversial issue. It's a beautiful story, and is beautifully illustrated.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Modeling Selflessness, Hope, and Hard Work, March 15, 2009

By 

Kat K. Munro (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Brave Little Parrot (Hardcover)

What a great book for children!

One brave little parrot chooses to do something to save its forest and all the residents there endangered by a spreading wildfire, ignoring everyone else who says, "This is too big a problem for you to solve." One god, seeing the heart, courage, and compassion of that little parrot, is inspired to help save the forest.

The lesson here is beautifully illustrated and heart-rending. Give your all to help others and make the world better, even when it seems hopeless, and amazing things might happen. That brave little parrot, by flying in a different direction and doing what was right, inspired someone else to help who otherwise might not have.

For pagan parents, this is a great example of polytheism and ethics in a format suitable for young children.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of our favorites!, April 10, 2007

By 

Ann B. Winslow (Cambridge, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Brave Little Parrot (Hardcover)

Wonderful story about personal bravery and perseverance. This book is beautifully illustrated. It includes many forest animals and also some semblance of Hindu gods. Probably best for 4-6 year olds.