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The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya
An orphaned African grey parrot who can speak 127 words. A girl so sick she has forgotten what it means to try. Fate––and a banana nut muffin––bring them together. Will their shared encounter help them journey through storms inside and out? Will they lose their way, or will they find what really matters?
Here is a story that will remind readers how navigating so many of life's desperate adventures requires friendship and, above all, hope.
Here is a story that will remind readers how navigating so many of life's desperate adventures requires friendship and, above all, hope.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2013
4 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Jane Kelley
9 books31 followersJane Kelley lives in Mequon, Wisconsin, with her husband at the edge of a magical woods. She is the author of many middle-grade novels and science books. She studied theater at Northwestern University, where she learned how to get inside a character. She is proud to have reconnected with the stage. Her most recent novel has been turned into a family musical. She looks forward to traveling and discovering new worlds for her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 1, 2013
So good. It's The Fault in Our Stars for kids only Augustus is a parrot.
February 26, 2018
This is the story of Zeno the parrot, named after the great Zeno, and Alya, the girl desperate for hope. I used this as a read aloud book for my children ranging from 10 years old down to the 18month (let's just say, he was more interested in the stuffed parrot and my imitation parrot talk. ;)). The book held my children's attention and most nights all were eager for another chapter or three. The story starts kind of slow, builds up but I think the best part happens from the halfway point on.
The dialog is very hard to get into for a read aloud. It's one thing that really bugs me about and especially, children's literature. There is so much "he said. she said." that I inevitably end up changing how I read it, "he said. She responded. He answered. She replied." etc. I didn't do it with every section but when it seemed to be getting redundant, I would change it. I know there are mixed views on that but that is something that bothers me.
I was contemplating this on another review I did. When you first end a book, its hard to write a review for a while. You want to chew on ideas and think more about it and talk about it with some other readers. I think that is what forms a good opinion on a book. The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya, I think more as a children book that would be enjoyed in the current generation but not one that would become a classic read for many.
It was a beautiful introduction, for my children, into the world of leukemia. That might sound a bit odd. Alya has leukemia. She battles wanting to be hopeful and friendly but ends up thinking of her own situation and hardships she face. In a similar way, Zeno the parrot goes from not having his human servant (a professor that feeds him banana nut muffins) around anymore, to needing to find his way in the natural world. He feels as though life is owed him and all the things he took for granted he mus now earn. He is spoiled and thinks of his own self as well. In the end, while Alya did learn that she could find the courage within herself, it still felt she wanted Zeno there as a good luck charm to push her on, while all her family is just there. It seemed to me that Zeno is the one that had the best character changed. He learned to think of Alya and be a friend to her. We got to talk about being a true friend, helping someone when they struggle, how hard it is when someone battles an illness like this, and what selfishness can lead too.
The children loved it. I feel in the end, it was a fun story. But it would not rank up with classics in my books. :)
4 stars from my children
3 from me. :)
The dialog is very hard to get into for a read aloud. It's one thing that really bugs me about and especially, children's literature. There is so much "he said. she said." that I inevitably end up changing how I read it, "he said. She responded. He answered. She replied." etc. I didn't do it with every section but when it seemed to be getting redundant, I would change it. I know there are mixed views on that but that is something that bothers me.
I was contemplating this on another review I did. When you first end a book, its hard to write a review for a while. You want to chew on ideas and think more about it and talk about it with some other readers. I think that is what forms a good opinion on a book. The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya, I think more as a children book that would be enjoyed in the current generation but not one that would become a classic read for many.
It was a beautiful introduction, for my children, into the world of leukemia. That might sound a bit odd. Alya has leukemia. She battles wanting to be hopeful and friendly but ends up thinking of her own situation and hardships she face. In a similar way, Zeno the parrot goes from not having his human servant (a professor that feeds him banana nut muffins) around anymore, to needing to find his way in the natural world. He feels as though life is owed him and all the things he took for granted he mus now earn. He is spoiled and thinks of his own self as well. In the end, while Alya did learn that she could find the courage within herself, it still felt she wanted Zeno there as a good luck charm to push her on, while all her family is just there. It seemed to me that Zeno is the one that had the best character changed. He learned to think of Alya and be a friend to her. We got to talk about being a true friend, helping someone when they struggle, how hard it is when someone battles an illness like this, and what selfishness can lead too.
The children loved it. I feel in the end, it was a fun story. But it would not rank up with classics in my books. :)
4 stars from my children
3 from me. :)
May 1, 2018
A sweet tale about risk, loss, and trying. I liked the arrogance of the parrot. ;D
November 19, 2021
I can't believe I'm crying over a stupid parrot (and a pigeon).
(I know, I know: Zeno not stupid! Zeno briyant!)
(I know, I know: Zeno not stupid! Zeno briyant!)
November 24, 2013
At first, Zeno doesn’t care at all about the sick girl in the bed. After all, Zeno is a “booful briyant” African grey parrot and he has one thing on his mind: banana nut muffins. So when he sees one sitting on the girl’s window sill, he knows it’s meant for him. This chance meeting is the beginning of a long, hopeful, and confusing journey to friendship. Zeno’s owner, a doctor of philosophy, has recently died and now the parrot is trying to figure out how this confusing place called Brooklyn works. More importantly, what kind of trees do banana nut muffins grow on? While Zeno is completely free for the first time in his life, the girl Alya feels like a prisoner in her own house. Alya has leukemia and her body is still struggling to deal with the chemo treatments. Day after day she lies in her bed, exhausted and losing hope. Through many desperate adventures – good and bad, happy and sad – Zeno and Alya find that life is better with a true friend and home. And some banana nut muffins, of course.
This gentle and thoughtful story tackles larger ideas than your average animal story. The importance of hope and how hope can be a gift from one person (or bird) to another, as well as the meanings of friendship and home are explored. Zeno is named after the Greek philosopher of the same name, which allows Kelley to incorporate bits of his wisdom in a graceful manner. Zeno and Alya are unique individuals and it is wonderful to see them develop in this character-driven story. Both characters begin thinking mostly of themselves, but by the end of the book their awareness and caring has expanded to include others. Kelley examines many different kinds of friendship, as Zeno meets new birds and Alya struggles to find common words with her old friends. Although this is a quiet story, short chapters keep the pacing of the story quick. Written in third person, the chapters alternate between Zeno and Alya’s stories in a chronological fashion. Although cancer and death are a part of a the story, the story never becomes depressing as Kelley balances humor and seriousness.
Full review at Chapter Book Explorer: http://chapterbookexplorer.blogspot.c...
This gentle and thoughtful story tackles larger ideas than your average animal story. The importance of hope and how hope can be a gift from one person (or bird) to another, as well as the meanings of friendship and home are explored. Zeno is named after the Greek philosopher of the same name, which allows Kelley to incorporate bits of his wisdom in a graceful manner. Zeno and Alya are unique individuals and it is wonderful to see them develop in this character-driven story. Both characters begin thinking mostly of themselves, but by the end of the book their awareness and caring has expanded to include others. Kelley examines many different kinds of friendship, as Zeno meets new birds and Alya struggles to find common words with her old friends. Although this is a quiet story, short chapters keep the pacing of the story quick. Written in third person, the chapters alternate between Zeno and Alya’s stories in a chronological fashion. Although cancer and death are a part of a the story, the story never becomes depressing as Kelley balances humor and seriousness.
Full review at Chapter Book Explorer: http://chapterbookexplorer.blogspot.c...
August 12, 2015
Zeno is an proud African Grey parrot who knows 127 words and loves Banana Nut muffins. However, none of those things can help him when he finds himself alone in Brooklyn. Alya is a very sick little girl who is trapped in life filled with hospitals, chemo and sickness. She misses her old life just as much as Zeno misses his. A chance meeting over a muffin just might change things for both of them.
The is a sweet and sometimes heart wrenching story of a very lonely girl and a lost parrot. Zeno is a wonderful character who has many misadventures as he tries to find out what home really is. Alya is sweet and her character is an honest take of a child going through chemo.
There were several things that brought me to tears in this book. Poor Zeno endures some really harsh things as he flies around the city. As a bird lover the scene with the pet store just tore my heart out!
A good story for children and adults who love animals. It is a bit more sad than most out there. But, I think many readers will enjoy this tale about a bird. It's nice to see one out there among the hero dog and cat books!
The is a sweet and sometimes heart wrenching story of a very lonely girl and a lost parrot. Zeno is a wonderful character who has many misadventures as he tries to find out what home really is. Alya is sweet and her character is an honest take of a child going through chemo.
There were several things that brought me to tears in this book. Poor Zeno endures some really harsh things as he flies around the city. As a bird lover the scene with the pet store just tore my heart out!
A good story for children and adults who love animals. It is a bit more sad than most out there. But, I think many readers will enjoy this tale about a bird. It's nice to see one out there among the hero dog and cat books!
February 24, 2018
I have to admit that I was nervous about reading a book about cancer with my child who is lucky, at age 6, to not personally have experience with it. However, this was in our Bird reading crate and I trust the woman selecting the books so I carried on and I'm so glad I did!
Such a cute story about a bird figuring out who he is (and he really is a complex animal!) and how to give to another being. And also a strong story about a girl who has real struggles with cancer and how her illness affects her relationships (with family and friends) and her life.
Such a cute story about a bird figuring out who he is (and he really is a complex animal!) and how to give to another being. And also a strong story about a girl who has real struggles with cancer and how her illness affects her relationships (with family and friends) and her life.
July 9, 2013
An unusual friendship story, the main character is a proud parrot who suddenly finds himself homeless (through the death of his devoted servant (known in human circles as his owner) and a young girl who has lost her former life because of leukemia. At one point in the story both have given up hope but manage to give each other courage and support. One of the strengths of this book is how well it portrays the "other world" Alya, the sick girl now lives in, comfined to her bedroom, feeling removed from her well intentioned friends and smothered by her loving but overly concerned parents.
July 19, 2015
This presents itself as a children's book but is more a young adult novel in terms of complexity. I bought it because I have a thing for parrots and you really don't see many novels that feature African Greys. It was a simple but deep and sweet book about the importance of friendship and of "heart."
June 19, 2018
Zeno is an African grey parrot that finds himself homeless in Brooklyn after his owner has a heart attack and Zeno gets out of the apartment. Alya is a young girl in Brooklyn that has leukemia and is sick and sad. Zeno finds Alya one day in her bedroom while he is looking for a banana nut muffin. Alya is at first weary of the bird, but after he leaves she realizes that she really wants him to stay. Zeno, in the meantime continues on his quest through the city to try and find a banana nut muffin and a new place he can come home too. Both him and Alya end up trying to find one another because they both realize they need each other.
The story is told from the point of view of Zeno and Alya. Zeno can say words, but we also get to hear what his inner thoughts are and what he means when he (& other birds) squawk. I got this book from Build Your Library's reading crate that was about birds. We had started this book back in January, but only finished it now because we had to put this book down to read other school books. My boys (10 & 7) and I really enjoyed this book and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. We loved the quirkiness of Zeno and his interaction with the other birds. I think that this was also the first book that we've read where one of the main characters is a child with cancer. We ended up having discussions about that and what is going on with Alya (why she has trouble moving, why her hair is gone, chemo, etc...).
The story is told from the point of view of Zeno and Alya. Zeno can say words, but we also get to hear what his inner thoughts are and what he means when he (& other birds) squawk. I got this book from Build Your Library's reading crate that was about birds. We had started this book back in January, but only finished it now because we had to put this book down to read other school books. My boys (10 & 7) and I really enjoyed this book and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. We loved the quirkiness of Zeno and his interaction with the other birds. I think that this was also the first book that we've read where one of the main characters is a child with cancer. We ended up having discussions about that and what is going on with Alya (why she has trouble moving, why her hair is gone, chemo, etc...).
March 26, 2017
I discovered this book in an elementary library and I was drawn into the story immediately on the first page. The characters of Zeno, a parrot, and Alya, a young sick girl, are so compelling right from the start. Their adventures intertwine and keep you on the edge of your seat as you hope for the best ending to their journey - both apart and together. A sweet and short read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it for anyone, young and old.
September 3, 2017
Zeno an African grey parrot, and Alya, a girl suffering from leukemia both have lost their friends and hope. Zeno's care giver suddenly dies and he flies out to Brooklyn. Attracted by banana nut muffins, he lands at the window of Alya. Alya has lost all hope and faith. She doesn't know the bird until he was interested in the muffins. When they get separated, they realize they need each other to be friends and support each other. After their Desperate Adventures, Alya going to the hospital and Zeno being trapped in cages, they realize they need to meet again. But will they?????
May 8, 2018
We finally finished it. I wish I would've known Alya had cancer, but it was interesting to hear the boys compare her time to ours. (I worried this story would prompt my youngest son to worry more about him getting cancer because I did, but it didn't. He actually hasn't asked about it since we started the book, so maybe it eased his mind a bit, somehow). The story was much different than I expected. I recommend it. Lots of good discussions.
January 23, 2019
D
I truly enjoyed this story. From the moment I met Zeno, the "booful briyant bird", I was captivated. I loved Zeno, and his big bird attitude. I loved that Zeno learned the word "friend", and stayed with Bunny so he didn't have to be alone. I loved that Zeno and Alya found each other when they most needed the support. I will admit to getting frustrated a bit with Alya, but glad Zeno made an impact on her and helped her "try".
I truly enjoyed this story. From the moment I met Zeno, the "booful briyant bird", I was captivated. I loved Zeno, and his big bird attitude. I loved that Zeno learned the word "friend", and stayed with Bunny so he didn't have to be alone. I loved that Zeno and Alya found each other when they most needed the support. I will admit to getting frustrated a bit with Alya, but glad Zeno made an impact on her and helped her "try".
April 16, 2018
I just finished reading this book to my 8yo boys. We all enjoyed the story but I was no mentally prepared to discuss a major illness with my kids. I was looking for a light hearted romp and got serious book with some depressing parts in it. Over all I am glad we read it.
May 29, 2018
My 6&11 year olds enjoyed this as a bedtime read-aloud. Keep in mind if your kid is sensitive, the little girl is quite sick and talks about death a bit.
August 12, 2018
Excellent story- potential read-aloud book
March 30, 2019
2.5 Stars
This was fine. I’m the wrong audience for this book. It’s too young for my taste and I don’t enjoy stories told from an animal’s perspective. Still, there were heartwarming moments.
This was fine. I’m the wrong audience for this book. It’s too young for my taste and I don’t enjoy stories told from an animal’s perspective. Still, there were heartwarming moments.
November 22, 2019
Couldn't put it down. So good.
May 3, 2020
This book was SO good. I thought it was very well written and recommend it to everyone!!
July 29, 2020
An appealing, uplifting story about an orphaned African grey parrot that can speak 127 words connecting with a girl who is confined by her illness.
December 6, 2013
Soon the review will come... it still in the oven... meanwhile I must say that I greatly enjoy every episode in this book
Meen while I recommended it to all ages...
My Review - (The full review is - http://sarityahalomi.blogspot.com/201...)
Although cancer and death are a part of a the story, the story never becomes depressing as Kelley balances humor and seriousness. From the first page to the last I couldn't put the book down.
Zeno expects everyone to think he's smart and beautiful. He’s an African grey parrot with a red tail. If he thinks a little too well of himself, Well, he does speak 127 words (Guess what words was the 128th and 129th), including a few in Greek. His owner was a professor of Greek Literature, so Zeno occasionally quotes the Greek philosopher Zeno. The proud parrot suddenly finds himself homeless (through the death of his devoted servant (known in human circles as his owner).
A lot of the humor in the story comes from Zeno’s mistakes. He doesn’t know as much as he thinks he does. For instance, he refers to a statue of an angel as a Parrot-Man. He's expecting admiration. What he finds is that even the other birds don't care about him; it rains at night; and nobody is feeding him. He's not happy.
There is a little girl in a hospital bed in her room. She's not happy either. She's developed cancer and they are treating her, but she can't do anything either. She can't even walk anymore. Alya's body is still struggling to deal with the chemo treatments.
Day after day she lies in her bed, exhausted and losing hope. Her state of mind was in such a worse state that, when her best friends bring her to read "the secret garden" she stop reading it the moment she accouter the word - death.
Zeno has one thing on his mind: banana nut muffins. So when he sees one sitting on the girl’s window sill, he knows it’s meant for him. When Zeno tries to steal the banana nut muffin from her windowsill, Ayla thinks they might be friends. But Zeno gets carried away trying to find a safe place to live his bird life and they lose contact.
This chance meeting is the beginning of a long, hopeful, and confusing journey to friendship. The bird and the girl get a little worse for wear before the word comes along the "bird vine" that Ayla needs Zeno. The parrot is trying to figure out how this confusing place called Brooklyn works. More importantly, what kind of trees do banana nut muffins grow on?
As Zeno flies around Brooklyn, he is challenged by other birds. He has to escape from a cage. He has to find his way home through a storm. He has to learn the real meaning of “home.” But most importantly, he has to find his way back to Alya’s window.
While Zeno is completely free for the first time in his life, the girl Alya feels like a prisoner in her own house. His brusque arrogance is exactly what she needs to snap her out of her despair. As for Zeno, no one has needed before; this makes him feel special.
This book deal with larger ideas than an average animal story: (1). The importance of hope and how hope can be a gift from one person (or bird) to another, (2) Meanings of friendship - both characters begin thinking mostly of themselves, but by the end of the book their awareness and caring has expanded to include others.(3) Looking at different kinds of friendship - as Zeno meets new birds and Alya struggles to find common words with her old friends. (4) The meanings of freedom - "Zeno briyant. Zeno Great Escape. Zeno bite door. Zeno free". "Free good! Free Kathekon!'. "Zeno free! Zeno not pet" (5) The meanings of home - "You free! Free good! Free fly home..." (6) The meanings of loyalty - Zeno saved the dove Bunny from the hawk and when Bunny lose his strange and the other doves in the flock kept flying back home. Zeno said "Zeno need Bunny. Bunny need Zeno" and it stay with bunny all night long rubbing his beak along the back of Bunny neck. (7) Zeno's name allows Kelley to incorporate something from this Greece philosopher wisdom.
Meen while I recommended it to all ages...
My Review - (The full review is - http://sarityahalomi.blogspot.com/201...)
Although cancer and death are a part of a the story, the story never becomes depressing as Kelley balances humor and seriousness. From the first page to the last I couldn't put the book down.
Zeno expects everyone to think he's smart and beautiful. He’s an African grey parrot with a red tail. If he thinks a little too well of himself, Well, he does speak 127 words (Guess what words was the 128th and 129th), including a few in Greek. His owner was a professor of Greek Literature, so Zeno occasionally quotes the Greek philosopher Zeno. The proud parrot suddenly finds himself homeless (through the death of his devoted servant (known in human circles as his owner).
A lot of the humor in the story comes from Zeno’s mistakes. He doesn’t know as much as he thinks he does. For instance, he refers to a statue of an angel as a Parrot-Man. He's expecting admiration. What he finds is that even the other birds don't care about him; it rains at night; and nobody is feeding him. He's not happy.
There is a little girl in a hospital bed in her room. She's not happy either. She's developed cancer and they are treating her, but she can't do anything either. She can't even walk anymore. Alya's body is still struggling to deal with the chemo treatments.
Day after day she lies in her bed, exhausted and losing hope. Her state of mind was in such a worse state that, when her best friends bring her to read "the secret garden" she stop reading it the moment she accouter the word - death.
Zeno has one thing on his mind: banana nut muffins. So when he sees one sitting on the girl’s window sill, he knows it’s meant for him. When Zeno tries to steal the banana nut muffin from her windowsill, Ayla thinks they might be friends. But Zeno gets carried away trying to find a safe place to live his bird life and they lose contact.
This chance meeting is the beginning of a long, hopeful, and confusing journey to friendship. The bird and the girl get a little worse for wear before the word comes along the "bird vine" that Ayla needs Zeno. The parrot is trying to figure out how this confusing place called Brooklyn works. More importantly, what kind of trees do banana nut muffins grow on?
As Zeno flies around Brooklyn, he is challenged by other birds. He has to escape from a cage. He has to find his way home through a storm. He has to learn the real meaning of “home.” But most importantly, he has to find his way back to Alya’s window.
While Zeno is completely free for the first time in his life, the girl Alya feels like a prisoner in her own house. His brusque arrogance is exactly what she needs to snap her out of her despair. As for Zeno, no one has needed before; this makes him feel special.
This book deal with larger ideas than an average animal story: (1). The importance of hope and how hope can be a gift from one person (or bird) to another, (2) Meanings of friendship - both characters begin thinking mostly of themselves, but by the end of the book their awareness and caring has expanded to include others.(3) Looking at different kinds of friendship - as Zeno meets new birds and Alya struggles to find common words with her old friends. (4) The meanings of freedom - "Zeno briyant. Zeno Great Escape. Zeno bite door. Zeno free". "Free good! Free Kathekon!'. "Zeno free! Zeno not pet" (5) The meanings of home - "You free! Free good! Free fly home..." (6) The meanings of loyalty - Zeno saved the dove Bunny from the hawk and when Bunny lose his strange and the other doves in the flock kept flying back home. Zeno said "Zeno need Bunny. Bunny need Zeno" and it stay with bunny all night long rubbing his beak along the back of Bunny neck. (7) Zeno's name allows Kelley to incorporate something from this Greece philosopher wisdom.
December 7, 2014
The Desperate Adventures of Zeno & Alya is the story of Alya, a young girl suffering from leukemia who’s given up hope, and Zeno, a self-centered African grey parrot whose owner dies and suddenly finds himself homeless in Brooklyn, New York. The two come together in a girl meets parrot, loses parrot, gets parrot story, based on their mutual need for companionship – and a banana nut muffin.
This is the second book I have read by Jane Kelley (the first being The Girl Behind the Glass) and I really enjoyed both books. Whereas The Girl Behind the Glass was a somewhat creepy and sinister ghost story, The Desperate Adventures of Zeno & Alya is a funny and heartwarming story, part animal fantasy, part realistic fiction.
The story is told from both characters’ perspectives, with comic relief coming from Zeno’s inflated sense of self. Indeed, Zeno is the star of the book, a “beautiful, brilliant bird”, with a 127 word vocabulary that he uses to help him navigate New York and communicate with other birds and even humans in a hilarious and often poignant series of adventures. Alya is the ying to his yang. Her story is more serious, and unfortunately comes across as a bit tired and flat. Kelly has created a fully developed and believable character in Zeno, less so in Alya.
I thought the book was funny, smart and well written. Although cancer and death are a part of both stories, the book never becomes depressing, and Kelley does a good job of balancing humor and seriousness. I could very easily see a sequel, and I think this would be a perfect book for a Disney or Pixar movie.
I also enjoy books that teach me something and this was one of those kinds of books. I learned about parrots, in particular the feral monk parrots that Zeno meets in Green-wood Cemetery in New York. Googling them brought up images of the beautiful gothic style cemetery gate described in the book where these parrots nest. Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood is also home to wild monk parrots. Who knew that these once tropical birds can live in hostile Midwest climates? Can’t wait to get to Hyde Park and check them out.
The desperate Adventures of Zeno & Alya is a middle grade fiction book, best for grades 4-6 that would appeal to girls or boys. Boys would definitely warm to Zeno’s hilarious, nearly disastrous encounters with humans and other birds.
No bad language or inappropriate behavioral issues in this book.
This is the second book I have read by Jane Kelley (the first being The Girl Behind the Glass) and I really enjoyed both books. Whereas The Girl Behind the Glass was a somewhat creepy and sinister ghost story, The Desperate Adventures of Zeno & Alya is a funny and heartwarming story, part animal fantasy, part realistic fiction.
The story is told from both characters’ perspectives, with comic relief coming from Zeno’s inflated sense of self. Indeed, Zeno is the star of the book, a “beautiful, brilliant bird”, with a 127 word vocabulary that he uses to help him navigate New York and communicate with other birds and even humans in a hilarious and often poignant series of adventures. Alya is the ying to his yang. Her story is more serious, and unfortunately comes across as a bit tired and flat. Kelly has created a fully developed and believable character in Zeno, less so in Alya.
I thought the book was funny, smart and well written. Although cancer and death are a part of both stories, the book never becomes depressing, and Kelley does a good job of balancing humor and seriousness. I could very easily see a sequel, and I think this would be a perfect book for a Disney or Pixar movie.
I also enjoy books that teach me something and this was one of those kinds of books. I learned about parrots, in particular the feral monk parrots that Zeno meets in Green-wood Cemetery in New York. Googling them brought up images of the beautiful gothic style cemetery gate described in the book where these parrots nest. Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood is also home to wild monk parrots. Who knew that these once tropical birds can live in hostile Midwest climates? Can’t wait to get to Hyde Park and check them out.
The desperate Adventures of Zeno & Alya is a middle grade fiction book, best for grades 4-6 that would appeal to girls or boys. Boys would definitely warm to Zeno’s hilarious, nearly disastrous encounters with humans and other birds.
No bad language or inappropriate behavioral issues in this book.
December 17, 2013
Thanks to the little Senegal parrot living in our house, I've become a big parrot fan. So this story, about Zeno, an African Grey parrot who loses his owner--not that he'd ever admit to being owned--and Alya, a young girl suffering from leukemia, caught my attention. I didn't expect it to be a happy story, and indeed, I found myself in tears over and over again. But I still loved it.
More than anything else, this is a story of frustration, and Jane Kelley communicates that very well. Zeno, like all African Grey parrots, is highly intelligent, but he isn't a human. His concerns are those of a bird, and while he has a highly developed English vocabulary, he finds himself alternately unable to communicate what he really wants to the humans, or finds humans unable to understand that he is really trying to speak to them, raither than just imitate sounds.
Alya, on the other hand, is frustrated with her declining condition. She can no longer do the things she took for granted, and she feels like she is losing her friends and family as a result. They're still there, but they treat her differently. Kelley effectively shows how both Zeno and Alya perceive this loss of control, and how it upsets their lives.
This isn't a typical kid-animal bonding story, and it lacks a lot of the heartwarming moments you'd expect from that sentimental genre. It's tough and hard-edged, and there are a lot of harrowing sequences. I found myself particularly upset at one character, a woman who takes Zeno home, but is more interested in how he fits into the decor of her house than his well-being as a living, thinking creature. I know that there are far too many people like that out there, who don't understand the responsibilities of bringing an animal into their home. There's too great a perception that because animals don't speak a language that we recognize, they are somehow inferior to humans. As if the ability to smoke and kill each other over religion is an indication of superiority.
Ultimately, this is a tough book for me to pigeonhole (pun intended). It's so well written, and so tugs at the heartstrings, that I recommend it for its sheer quality. But it's also very upsetting through most of it, so definitely not a light distraction. I loved it, but I don't think I need to revisit it again for a while.
More than anything else, this is a story of frustration, and Jane Kelley communicates that very well. Zeno, like all African Grey parrots, is highly intelligent, but he isn't a human. His concerns are those of a bird, and while he has a highly developed English vocabulary, he finds himself alternately unable to communicate what he really wants to the humans, or finds humans unable to understand that he is really trying to speak to them, raither than just imitate sounds.
Alya, on the other hand, is frustrated with her declining condition. She can no longer do the things she took for granted, and she feels like she is losing her friends and family as a result. They're still there, but they treat her differently. Kelley effectively shows how both Zeno and Alya perceive this loss of control, and how it upsets their lives.
This isn't a typical kid-animal bonding story, and it lacks a lot of the heartwarming moments you'd expect from that sentimental genre. It's tough and hard-edged, and there are a lot of harrowing sequences. I found myself particularly upset at one character, a woman who takes Zeno home, but is more interested in how he fits into the decor of her house than his well-being as a living, thinking creature. I know that there are far too many people like that out there, who don't understand the responsibilities of bringing an animal into their home. There's too great a perception that because animals don't speak a language that we recognize, they are somehow inferior to humans. As if the ability to smoke and kill each other over religion is an indication of superiority.
Ultimately, this is a tough book for me to pigeonhole (pun intended). It's so well written, and so tugs at the heartstrings, that I recommend it for its sheer quality. But it's also very upsetting through most of it, so definitely not a light distraction. I loved it, but I don't think I need to revisit it again for a while.
July 5, 2017
"Zeno was an African grey parrot. He could imitate sixty-three sounds and speak 127 words" - (including phrases spoken by the real Zeno.) Zeno lived with Dr. Agard until the man dies. Suddenly, Zeno, this extremely pampered bird, is alone in the world and must learn to take care of himself. So begins his perilous adventure.
"It's a shame you have to meet Alya now. You'd never guess how clever she used to be at climbing trees. Or inventing new games with a soccer ball. And you can't know what her real laugh sounded like ... It's hard to laugh while you're lying in bed." Alya has almost given up. The cancer treatments have left her in a weakened state and she was "tired of trying.... Never hurts to try, people said. However, she knew quite well that it did hurt. It hurt when she couldn't do what she had once done. It hurt to be reminded of her weakness. It hurt to fail again and again."
When Zeno appears at her window, Alya is intrigued by this bird who seems to be able to communicate quite effectively. Does he actually understand what she is saying? Zeno is merely trying to make Alya understand that he wants a banana nut muffin. He urges her to "Try" (who does this bird think he is?) and even says "The wise are earnest in self improvement." Though Zeno is rebuffed, this encounter stays with Alya. Is this some kind of magic that you read about only in books? And when she is about to encounter a potential setback, Alya decides she needs the parrot back. "I need him to teach me how to try. I forgot, I think."
What a great story about the need for companionship and a place to belong. Both characters have what seem to be insurmountable obstacles and come to the point of nearly giving up, but they find that one last bit of hope to spur them on just once more. I love the egocentric thoughts of Zeno and his movement toward understanding "home."
"It's a shame you have to meet Alya now. You'd never guess how clever she used to be at climbing trees. Or inventing new games with a soccer ball. And you can't know what her real laugh sounded like ... It's hard to laugh while you're lying in bed." Alya has almost given up. The cancer treatments have left her in a weakened state and she was "tired of trying.... Never hurts to try, people said. However, she knew quite well that it did hurt. It hurt when she couldn't do what she had once done. It hurt to be reminded of her weakness. It hurt to fail again and again."
When Zeno appears at her window, Alya is intrigued by this bird who seems to be able to communicate quite effectively. Does he actually understand what she is saying? Zeno is merely trying to make Alya understand that he wants a banana nut muffin. He urges her to "Try" (who does this bird think he is?) and even says "The wise are earnest in self improvement." Though Zeno is rebuffed, this encounter stays with Alya. Is this some kind of magic that you read about only in books? And when she is about to encounter a potential setback, Alya decides she needs the parrot back. "I need him to teach me how to try. I forgot, I think."
What a great story about the need for companionship and a place to belong. Both characters have what seem to be insurmountable obstacles and come to the point of nearly giving up, but they find that one last bit of hope to spur them on just once more. I love the egocentric thoughts of Zeno and his movement toward understanding "home."
February 14, 2015
Zeno is a gray African parrot whose “servant” has died. In search of food and friendship, Zeno flies away into Brooklyn, using his 127 words to prove how brilliant he is. He has many adventures with other birds, and one awful time when he gets captured. The meeting he remembers most, though, is with a little girl who can’t get out of bed. She’s Alya, and she has leukemia. She and her family are struggling with it, as she can’t even climb stairs by herself. She has stopped trying, and there’s more chemo to come. She remembers Zeno, though, and hopes against hope that he will find her again, and help her remember how to try.
Another book I feel ambivalent about. Unlike the canary book last year that I liked so much, these bird don’t speak to each other as humans do, and I grew SOOO tired of the endless “Brawk! Broo!” etc. etc. that filled Zeno’s story. I never could figure out how to think about the birds in the story-—if they were supposed to be smarter than normal birds, or if the author was just “translating” what a bird might be communicating. Alya’s story was moving, and I liked reading those sections better, though there wasn’t much plot the way there was with Zeno’s story. Anyway, it’s a bit young-feeling for middle school, but some bird lovers will snap it up.
Another book I feel ambivalent about. Unlike the canary book last year that I liked so much, these bird don’t speak to each other as humans do, and I grew SOOO tired of the endless “Brawk! Broo!” etc. etc. that filled Zeno’s story. I never could figure out how to think about the birds in the story-—if they were supposed to be smarter than normal birds, or if the author was just “translating” what a bird might be communicating. Alya’s story was moving, and I liked reading those sections better, though there wasn’t much plot the way there was with Zeno’s story. Anyway, it’s a bit young-feeling for middle school, but some bird lovers will snap it up.
June 20, 2014
As someone who has been known to talk with birds (ahem), I was extra-appreciative of this story about Zeno, the African Grey parrot, and Alya, a girl dealing with a recent leukemia diagnosis.
In the end, The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya is about being respectful and kind, and having an open heart for both people and other living things. It is about being gentle without being to careful, and about digging down deep and finding strength you didn't know you had until you need it most.
Still, this story is not all doom and gloom and fanciful animals who can talk and understand the languages of multiple species. It is about how you can sense a true friend in just an instant, about the distance that you would go to save someone you love, of what we do when everything we know about life gets turned upside down.
I can't really say much else without giving the story away. It was a quick read for me, with well-developed characters and a good pace. A great read for 4th- to 8th-graders, and adults who are young at heart. Especially those who talk with birds.
In the end, The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya is about being respectful and kind, and having an open heart for both people and other living things. It is about being gentle without being to careful, and about digging down deep and finding strength you didn't know you had until you need it most.
Still, this story is not all doom and gloom and fanciful animals who can talk and understand the languages of multiple species. It is about how you can sense a true friend in just an instant, about the distance that you would go to save someone you love, of what we do when everything we know about life gets turned upside down.
I can't really say much else without giving the story away. It was a quick read for me, with well-developed characters and a good pace. A great read for 4th- to 8th-graders, and adults who are young at heart. Especially those who talk with birds.
December 10, 2014
This would be a great read-aloud book. I loved Zeno and Alya from the beginning. Found myself chuckling more than once. I love stories where different characters come together and help each other out. I think that is how life usually is. People/animals are placed in our lives to help when we need it most. Hopefully I'm aware enough of others to be that someone sometimes.
I also appreciated that Alya's older brother was so dedicated to her and willing to help out. I wished her parents were a little more helpful, but at the same time, I can only try and imagine how I would be acting if I were in their shoes. It would be terribly difficult to have a child in Alya's situation, and I know they were doing what they felt was best.
Sometimes we just need someone there to tell us to TRY!!! And oftentimes HOME/FAMILY/FRIENDS give us the direction and strength we need to make it through the hard times. And amazingly enough, when we reach out to help others, we usually help ourselves in the process.
I also appreciated that Alya's older brother was so dedicated to her and willing to help out. I wished her parents were a little more helpful, but at the same time, I can only try and imagine how I would be acting if I were in their shoes. It would be terribly difficult to have a child in Alya's situation, and I know they were doing what they felt was best.
Sometimes we just need someone there to tell us to TRY!!! And oftentimes HOME/FAMILY/FRIENDS give us the direction and strength we need to make it through the hard times. And amazingly enough, when we reach out to help others, we usually help ourselves in the process.
July 14, 2014
LOVED this WAW possibility!! And I think the kids will love it, too -- it's perfect for the 3-5 list and should pull in a lot of those kids who think all the WAW books are too hard for them. This is a funny fantasy about Zeno an African grey parrot whose owner is a professor who teaches him to talk and imitate sounds. But when the professor dies, Zeno flies out of the apartment with the paramedics and has to fend on his own. He ends up in Alya's window where some banana nut muffins are sitting, Zeno's favorite. Alya and Zeno talk to each other and he asks her to give him a muffin, but she has leukemia and is weak, and Zeno keeps asking her to try. Eventually he gives up and flys away. Then we follow their separate adventures until Alya realizes she HAS to start trying again and she asks her brother to find Zeno for her. A definite yes vote for me.
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