Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #746973 in Books
• Published on: 1998-03-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

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

From Kirkus Reviews
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.

Customer Reviews

A profound message for children and adults
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.

One of our favorites!
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.

Modeling Selflessness, Hope, and Hard Work
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.