Cooper’s book report

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Michelle M.

The Parakeet Girl by Marilyn Sadler

After trying out a dog, a cat and a goldfish, Emma Tuttle finds the perfect pet – a parakeet named Henry. Henry does everything with Emma until one day her brother brings home a parakeet of his own. Henry falls in love with the new bird – a budgie named Kate. Soon Henry abandons Emma to spend all his time with Kate. Is Emma doomed to live a lifetime of loneliness??

Cooper enjoyed this book. She thought it was very romantic and loved that there were two blue budgies in the story. She also liked that Henry holds the remote while watching television (the remote is one of Cooper’s favorite things).

Cooper’s book report

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Michelle M.

Willie Was Different by Norman Rockwell

Willie the wood thrush is awkward and different. Deep down inside, though, he knows he is a genius. So he leaves his family behind to go out into the world. He meets Miss Polly, the town librarian. He discovers his musical genius while singing along with Miss Polly’s flute. Soon, fame finds him. But will acclaim and admiration make Willie happy?

Cooper enjoyed this book. It was a cute story and the illustrations were wonderful. She didn’t understand why Willie would give up being a celebrity, though…

Cooper’s book report

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Michelle M.

This month we have three books. We’ll Always Have Parrots, Cockatiels at Seven and The Real Macaw – all written by Donna Andrews. These books are from the author’s Meg Lanslow series about a crime solving blacksmith. There are other bird titles in the series, but Cooper wanted to read about the birds most like her. Unfortunately, the birds are not the main focus of the books (in Cockatiels at Seven, they are merely mentioned), which was a let down for Cooper. She liked the cover art, though, and thinks the next book should have a budgie title.

Cooper’s book report

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Michelle M.

This month’s book was Of Parrots and People by Mira Tweti. It is an eye-opening and often heart breaking account of what happens to parrots when people decide to keep them as pets. The book has sections on parrot intelligence, parrots as pets, the breeding and selling industries, bird smuggling and bird sanctuaries and conservation. Cooper thinks it is a must-read for everyone – especially those thinking of owning a parrot.

Cooper’s book report

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Michelle M.

Pete and Roland by Bob Graham

This book is about a little boy named Pete who finds a parakeet in his back yard. He names the bird Roland and has lots of fun taking care of him. What starts as a cute and fun little story takes a horrific turn when one day, Roland flies away through the window. Roland takes up with a flock of pigeons, so there is a happy ending.

Cooper’s favorite part of the book was when Roland would make little messes (poops) on the dressing table.

Cooper’s book report

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Michelle M.

Alex and Me by Irene M. Pepperberg

Alex and Me is about the avian intelligence work of scientist Irene Pepperberg and her most famous subject, an African Grey parrot named Alex. Alex had a vocabulary of over 100 words and was able to distinguish and label colors, shapes and numbers. He also understood concepts such as “bigger”, “smaller”, “same” and “different”. Pepperberg’s groundbreaking research proved that parrots are not just mimics, but are highly intelligent and can understand the meaning of the words they use.

Cooper would highly recommend this book. His favorite parts were when Alex was being mischievous. He also thinks that the parakeets Dr. Pepperberg owned from childhood through college were the inspiration for her later success.

Cooper’s book report

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Michelle M.

How to Live with a Parakeet

Written by: B.A. Benson Illustrated by: Paul Fanning

This book, published in 1959, is an amusing account of a scriptwriter and his pet parakeets. It offers funny anecdotes as well as tips (some outdated) on the care of budgies. For example, don’t let your budgie fly around loose when having a cocktail party.

Cooper’s favorite part of the book was when Buster, who was thought to be a male, turns out to be a female.

Cooper’s book report

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Michelle M.

Brian’s Bird

Written by: Patricia A. Davis Illustrated by: Layne Johnson

Brian, a little blind boy, receives a parakeet for his 8th birthday. He names his new pet, Scratchy, and teaches him to talk. One day Brian’s stupid brother leaves the door open and Scratchy flies away! Will Brian get Scratchy back? Read the book and find out!

Cooper loved this book, even though the parakeet was green and not blue.