The Brave Little Parrot

Rafe Martin

The Brave Little Parrot 
Rafe Martin  Susan Gaber  Bethanne Andersen

The Brave Little Parrot

Annotation
Because the brave little parrot does the thing that comes from its heart as it takes precious drops of water to the burning forest, things change in ways no one could imagine.

From the Publisher
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 GaberÆs majestic illustrations and Rafe MartinÆs lyrical retelling bring to life an inspiring tale from ancient India that will speak to todayÆs readers.

From the Critics
From Publisher's Weekly - Publishers Weekly  
Perseverance saves the day in this graceful retelling of a traditional jataka tale from India. Martin (The Rough-Face Girl) employs a direct, engrossing style to tell this story of a small gray parrot's battle against a raging forest fire. Gaber's (Bit by Bit) dense brushstrokes portray the tropical flora and fauna threatened by the relentless flames, and she heightens the drama by alternating between aerial and ground-level perspectives. The heroic parrot is determined not to escape before helping the animals trapped below. So she carries water, drop by drop, to pour on the fire, endangering her own life. Her persistence pays off when a god who pities her cries torrential tears that avert the impending tragedy. A pleasing whimsy pervades some scenes, such as one in which the parrot perches on the head of a surly tiger, and another in which gods and goddesses laze on a cloud, feasting while they comment on the earthly drama below. An author's note explains that jataka tales, which are based on the past lives of Buddha, have been told and retold for 2500 years. This is an elegant continuation of that tradition. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)
 
From School Library Journal  
K-Gr 3A 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.Judith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public Library.