Papagayo: The Mischief Maker

by Gerald McDermott

The mischievous parrot Papagayo spends his days playing in the jungle and disturbing the sleeping night creatures with his raucous cries. But when the ferocious moon-dog begins to devour the moon, only Papagayo knows how to save it. The night creatures learn that he’s a good friend to have--even if he is a bit NOISY.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Folklore, Fiction, Folk Tales, Mythology

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Gerald McDermott is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and an expert on mythology. His work often combines bright colors and styles with ancient imagery.

He has created more than 25 books and animated films. His first book, Anansi the Spider, was awarded a Caldecott Honor, and he’s since won the Caldecott Medal for Arrow to the Sun and another Caldecott Honor.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enchanting book by Gerald McDermott, the art is beautiful and the story is simple yet exciting. Gerald McDermott has a very nice way of writing that draws you in; you feel as if you are listening to a favorite uncle telling you a story about your heritage. Because of this trait it is the perfect book to read with a small child.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great pictures. We have had to read this every morning and every night this week. Another favorite. Love the moon eater!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute story and once again, the illustrations tell the story!! Wonderful!

[Amy Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to 4 classes of kindergarteners and first graders. All of them were spell-bound. The writing brings young readers inside the many emotions of the animals, and the expertly-crafted suspense easily holds kids' attention. In addition, the illustrations are absolutely chock full of color and uniquely done. Bold and intricate, the details hold the eye for the entirety of the story. Everyone knows Gerald McDermott's Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale-- now try this lesser-known, but equally wonderful picture book.

[Laura]

This story is about why the moon grows and shrinks in the sky, why animals make noise at night, and why the animals that sleep by day or ok with the noise of birds in the morning. This fun little story could help a teacher introduce the idea of nocturnal animals. It could also help introduce a lesson about the phases of the moon, explaining to the students that before we knew about the phases, cultures had their own ways of describing the phases of the moon.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED the illustrations in this book. The inside flap says that this story is set in an Amazon rain forest, but the Great Ruined City looks Mayan to me. In any case, this story is about a parrot who first harasses and then helps the night creatures of the forest.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story of the can-we-solve-this-problem-in-a-clever-way-and-teach-a-moral variety. I like that noisiness was a strength, but Papagayo did not seem to learn to respect the other animals, just the other way around. Also, the two main characters are both male, as usual.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

the author has a number of books that retell folk tales with bold illustrations and this is my fourth favorite

[Megan Knippenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story with engaging pictures.

[Helen Jeffries · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for teaching folktales. It has vivid illustrations to match the text. Kids of all ages will enjoy this book.

[Andrea Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this book!

[Mely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these fables in the making. McDermott is such a great storyteller and really brings life to his animal characters. In this story, we learn how a loud and mischievous parrot saves the moon. Bright, bold illustrations. Easy to understand text for even the youngest listeners.

[Sam Desir-Spinelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great art, nice short story for children. My son loves this book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

McDermott has written an original story about a clever parrot, Papagayo, who helps the night creatures save the moon from being eaten by the moon-dog. Papagayo urges them to make lots of noise so it will scare the moon-dog away. It works, but Papagayo knows the moon-dog will return. "Now that the moon-dog has tasted the sweeness of the moon, he is sure to sneak back." The illustrations are McDermott style gorgeous. The text which reads like a folktale explains why the moon waxes and wanes and why the nocturnal animals in the rainforest make so much noise. A wonderfully entertaining book to read aloud!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story reads like a fable, although the book does not specify whether or not it is one. Papagayo makes mischief for his friends by making noise all day long, and his friends do not enjoy him making so much noise. The night creatures are trying to sleep, and Papagayo is keeping them awake. Soon, a problem reaches the night creatures during the nighttime, and Papagayo comes to the rescue. It is a beautifully illustrated story of friendship and teamwork.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

of the 3 i borrowed from Kindle Unlimited ... this is the best one, which is the "Coyote" ... the illustrations take up the whole screen ...but the text sure could be a lot bigger ... i wish. these illustrations are just amazing. so gorgeous!! what makes the books are the pics ... i wish they could both be bigger ... text and pics.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

For parrot tales, I prefer The Parrot Tico Tango, myself. To read my full review and lesson plans, visit: http://mshoughtonsclass.wordpress.com... (link becomes active on March 28)

[Rachel Dalton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Papagayo is a cute story about a parrot who at first is disliked by the other animals for his annoying habits until these habits help them fix a big problem. It seems to teach a lesson about teamwork and the value of being unique. While not one of my favorites, I think students will enjoy it.

[Kristen Leininger]

Picture Book: Amazing, vibrant illustrations. An interesting folk tale combining why the moon goes through phases and parrots make noise.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Papagayo is another beautifully illustrated legend by Gerald McDermott. It is a great book for younger children, and a great read-aloud/ anchor text for students studying folktales and legends.

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Eleanor's favorite books. She loved squawking like Papagayo.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Papagayo scares away the moon eater.

[Ms. Arca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This art is gorgeous !