If You Were a Parrot (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Sherry Rogers (Illustrator) (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2–Rawson and Rogers explore the world of parrots in this vibrant celebration of children's imaginative play. Rogers's rounded digital paintings place each fact about these birds squarely in the world of a real child–a girl displays her parrot feet as she plays with her crayons: If you were a parrot, you would have two feet, just like you do now, but…you would have four toes on each foot, and two of them would point backwards. A youngster with a parrot beak chews on her colored pencils: If you were a parrot, you would have a sharp, hooked beak. To keep your beak in shape, you would have to chew things…pencils, wooden spoons, the legs of chairs, and maybe even the entire telephone directory. The rich colors used in each scene honor the different parrots featured in the book–Nanday conures, Scarlet Macaws, Blue and Gold Macaws, and African Greys–as well as the children's imaginations. The book concludes with a section of facts about parrots and a pattern for a parrot beak that can be downloaded from the publisher's Web site. This is a book worth squawking about.–Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME
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Review

"'If You Were a Parrot' shows children what special traits one would need to be a parrot.

The book was very informative and fun. The illustrations took a child through the transformation of becoming a parrot. Several different species of parrots were featured throughout the book with some generalized facts about all parrots.

There is a short craft section at the end and some informative information about parrots.

This section also helps children understand more about where parrots are found and other facts that can't be demonstrated in the story.

Young children will enjoy the colors and vibrancy of the story." -- Elysabeth Eldering, Armchair Interviews, 2006

"Four young children find out what it might be like to have the feet, beak, voice and feathers of a parrot in this delightfully informative up-close look at a favorite friend. With parrot feet, nothing would be out of climbing range sine two toes point forward, two backward. A parrot beak is strong and sharp, capable of easily cracking open seeds and nuts; chewing on things helps keep it in shape. Squawks and screeches help communicate joy and anger, while clever parrots can learn to imitate people's words and environmental sounds (like ringing telephones). Finally, parrots care for their feathers with frequent baths and lots of preening. Roger's brightly colored illustrations truly put the toes on the other foot, so to speak, showing each child with parrot features and engaging in parrot activities. Backmatter includes more facts about parrots and birds in general, a make-a-beak craft and a page explaining the responsibilities involved in owning a parrot." -- Kirkus Review, July 2006

"It's sort of like Kafka's 'Metamorphosis,' but for kids, and funny, with really beautiful, bright, colorful, kid-friendly illustrations. Okay, the initial illustration of the little girl whose feet were still flesh-colored, but shaped like a parrot's was a tad, um, creepy...definitely an eye-catcher, but the following pages are a hoot. Rawson wraps up this wonderful book for young readers with some suggestions for further imaginative play and learning. A great addition to home and school libraries alike." -- Roxyanne Young, Smart Writers Journal (SWJ), Greate Fall Books for Home and School, Oct. 2006

"My first impression upon opening the envelope from Sylvan Dell Publishing containing the book, 'If You Were a Parrot' was one of delight. As I read the story of the children acting like a parrot throughout the day by climbing, chewing, squawking, and preening I was touched with the message of the book. The bright colors of the engaging illustrations are entertaining and vividly point out the unique characteristics of parrots without being just 'dry facts.' I was drawn to each page by the detail and accuracy of each parrot species.

It is obvious that the author owns a parrot and is quite familiar with their day to day needs, demands and antics. It is important that this is understood at the beginning of a parrot/human relationship in order to continue a lifetime of companionship. By putting the child in the role of the parrot for a day, they are able to better understand just what the parrot does and needs during the day. The 'Make a Beak' craft gives the child even more knowledge with an interactive experience and is a clever addition to the book. At the end of the book is 'For Creative Minds.' In this section, additional parrot facts, keeping parrots in your home, and conservation are discussed.

I smile when I think of this book knowing that both the author and the artist have done a wonderful job of hooking a child into the interesting and complicated world of companion parrots.

This education will help a child, as an adult, make the right decision to enter into the world of parrot companionship. It also gives the child the information to deal with a parrot that is already a part of their household growing up." -- Cheryl Rose, Secretary and & Co-Education Director of the National Parrot Rescue and Preservation Foundation, Sept. 2006

"This picture book allows a child to explore what it would be like to be a parrot. The illustrations are excellent, showing children with beaks and feathers. In the back material, there are scientific facts about birds in general and parrots specifically. This is a fun book and we rated it a high four hearts." -- Bob Spear, Publisher and Chief Reviewer, Heartland Reviews, July 2006

Children need more books like this; ones that intrigue them and widen their view of the world. They will love the colorful illustrations and will pick it up again and again. --Rutgers University

Play and imagination are great tools that encourage children's learning. If I were a teacher with pre-school learners, this would be an excellent resource for teaching bird classification, parrot adaptation, and caring for pets. --Epinions.com

Rawson and Rogers explore the world of parrots in this vibrant celebration of children's imaginative play. This is a book worth squawking about. --School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing (August 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976494396
• ISBN-13: 978-0976494393
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #400,338 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars If You Were a Parrot, August 10, 2007

By	Macaw Mom (South Florida USA) - See all my reviews

Owning large parrots I found this book to be a wonderful explaination for younger children. It's colorful images and simple wording make learning about parrots fun and interesting for the little ones. Great book !!

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a Mimic: If You Were A Parrot, March 29, 2007

By	Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast "... (Canada) - See all my reviews

How can I have lived this long and never noticed that two of a parrot's toes are on backwards? This playful and original book about life as a parrot is as entertaining as it is educational. My view of parrots is forever changed!

5.0 out of 5 stars Enter a Fantasy Parrot World!, March 20, 2007

By	Donny B. Seagraves "Donny Seagraves, Author" (WINTERVILLE, GA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This fun 330-word picture book encourages the young reader to enter a fantasy world in which he imagines himself to be a parrot. Parrot behaviors are pictured, often with the child in the story imitating them.

I like the Creative Minds page cautioning people to think carefully about the work, expense and inconvenience before one gets a parrot for a pet. I thin the page with the black and white world map could have been color-coordinated to help the child determine the different regions where the various parrots are from.

I think children would love making their own beaks.

Overall, this is a delightful book suitable for young children who love parrots and like a good time.