IF YOU WERE A PARROT
By Katherine Rawson
Illustrated by Sherry Rogers
Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2006
Category: Picture Book
We used to vacation with friends who kept an African Grey Parrot as a pet. Ricky was an ornery bugger, refusing most of the time to talk, though we all knew he could. On a good day, and when we least expected it, Ricky would make the sound of a telephone ringing; I fell for it every time.
Perhaps Ricky is the reason I was so enthralled with IF YOU WERE A PARROT. Katherine Rawson’s simple text highlights parrot body parts while Sherry Rogers’s bright illustrations confront readers with compelling “what if” scenarios: What if you had parrot feet? What if you had a parrot beak? The expressive parrots on each spread made me laugh … and think of Ricky. This little picture book explores the relationship between form and function without ever resorting to didactics, and is a fine way for young readers to learn about parrots.
IF YOU WERE A PARROT is also a fine way to familiarize yourself with illustrator Sherry Rogers, who I had the great pleasure of interviewiing recently. Sherry has created a beautiful snowflake for Robert’s Snow, and I will be showcasing Sherry, her art, and her fabulous snowflake on Thursday. I hope you will stop back to meet her!