It all began in the year 1966, in the Solomon Islands. Manao was 12 years old and had cut down the biggest tree in the forest. This was a huge sin. As punishment, the tribe's magician pronounced that Manao's spirit would inhabit the body of a parrot. During his life as a parrot, he would have a few magical abilities and he would have a special gift that must be used wisely. He would be able to speak his thoughts to ONE human being. Manao would deliver a message about the importance of balance and harmony among life. Thirty years later...
Bo Parrot "Bobo" chose to speak with Alice, the young girl in the family that kept him as a pet. Bobo could make himself into other types of birds for Alice to talk to and learn from. Bobo told Alice the cruel way in which he came to be with her family. Then he turned into a Goffin's cockatoo, a Spix's macaw, a gray parrot, and several other types of birds. Each bird told Alice where they were from originally and how humans' greed ruined their lives.
***** This book is a perfect way for teens and pre-teens to become aware of species that are in danger of extinction and how to help make sure such atrocities never happen again. In fact, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book goes toward acquisition of wildlife habitat. So it not only teaches those who read it, but just by purchasing it the reader helps the environment!
The author did a wonderful job of creating Alice, which many kids will be able to relate to. Each bird is like a short story and each story is intertwined with a larger tale. Excellent! *****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
