The Brave Little Parrot

When a forest fire ignites, one parrot who refuses to leave begins calling after her fleeing friends, the elephant and the cheetah, and begs them to return in order to help put the fire out and save their home from being completely engulfed.

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.

In the story of a god disguised as an eagle that descends to earth to aid a small parrot, Martin (The Eagle's Gift, p. 1225, etc.) offers one of the jataka tales from India, which chronicle the past lives of Buddha. When a forest fire erupts, a little parrot tries to convince the animals of the forest to help put out the fire, but she's told it's hopeless, and to save herself. Even the great eagle--a god who has watched the other gods and goddesses ridicule the parrot--can't dissuade the small bird from her noble effort. Those valiant attempts elicit compassionate tears from him: ``Tears fell from his eyes, fell in torrents, sheet after sheet, like cooling rain, upon the fire, upon the forest, upon the animals, and upon the little parrot.'' Needless to say, the tears quench the fire, restoring harmony and beauty, and all the colors of the forest, mirrored in the parrot's new feathers. Readers may recognize aspects of the story from Native American lore, but will be less familiar with the shape-shifting powers of the Buddha. Gaber's jungle landscapes begin with a peaceable kingdom atmosphere, igniting into smoke-filled, flame-licked pages whose brush strokes highlight all the drama. Close-ups of wildlife bring readers face to face with majestic tigers, eagles, elephants, and the earnest, brave-hearted parrot--she'll win hearts with her theatrical heroics. (Picture book/folklore. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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