Product Description

Rosa is hard of hearing and she relies on her parrot, Pico, to repeat things loudly for her, but sometimes Pico takes advantage of Rosa to create mischief.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2679707 in Books
• Published on: 1999-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover

From Publishers Weekly
A mischievous parrot wreaks havoc when he plays a trick on his hard-of-hearing owner in this jaunty tale of friendship and forgiveness. Rosa dotes on Pico, her pet parrot. More than just a companion, the little bird is also a help to her, repeating people's questions loudly so that she can hear. On a trip to town one day?after a cumulative interlude in which their twosome expands to include Mayor Flan, Inez the flower woman, Pepe the violinist and Pepe's dogs?Pico can't resist the urge to play a prank and causes a melee in the marketplace. All's well in the end, of course, as Rosa first scolds and then, after a suitable interval, wordlessly pardons her rascally pet. Wahl (I Met a Dinosaur) adroitly delineates the relationship between the old woman and the bird, and he fuels his prose with repetitive elements that enhance the story's read-aloud potential. Howard's (Mediopolito/Half Chicken) arresting, vibrant art plays up the tale's south-of-the-border flavor. Applying hot tropical hues in swaths of vigorous brushwork, she creates densely packed explosions of color, line and form. The art is almost too energetic in spots, so that the type is sometimes swallowed by the paintings. But for those who like their art on the peppery side, this will be a fiesta for eye and ear. Ages 6-10.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1Rosa lives with her parrot in a little pink house on a little blue street in a little brown town. Since the woman is hard of hearing, Pico repeats sentences for her. On a trip to the market, Pico imitates a cat and sends the local dogs into a frenzy. A chase ensues, sending fruit and flowers flying everywhere. Returning home, Rosa scolds Pico and sends him to the corner. However, she cant stay angry at her pet very long and they finally share a cup of hot chocolate. The story is slight and silly, and it is unclear why Rosas town is described as being brown (it actually looks rather colorful). The illustrations, said to be inspired by Latin American murals, are very busy, and children may find it difficult to distinguish various elements because they run together. This offering just doesnt fly.Jeanette Larson, Texas State Library, Austin
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
An exotic and lushly illustrated book about Rosa, slightly hard of hearing, and her mischievous parrot, Pico, who is supposed to assist her by repeating things loudly for her. However, sometimes for fun, Pico toys with Rosa. When a man comes to the door to sell some tomatoes to Rosa, Pico shouts out, ``Not today!'' Rosa wants tomatoes, so she puts on her hat and goes off to the market with Pico. When Pico meows at some dogs, pandemonium ensues, with tomatoes, flowers, and eggs everywhere. Rosa is angry, but not for long. The story is loosely plotted, with the locale providing an excuse for Howard to break out the brightest colors in her palette; the book is not strong enough for repeat readings, but preschoolers will be curious about what kind of havoc the impish Pico will wreak. (Picture book. 3-6) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.