The Brave Little Parrot

by Rafe Martin

When a forest fire ignites, one parrot who refuses to leave begins calling after her fleeing friends, the elephant and the cheetah, and begs them to return in order to help put the fire out and save their home from being completely engulfed.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, India, Folk Tales, Religion, Birds

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 23, 1998

About the author

Rafe Martin is an award-winning author and storyteller, as well as a lay Zen teacher in the Harada-Yasutani koan line. He is founding teacher of Endless Path Zendo, Rochester, NY.

He is the recipient of the prestigious Empire State Award for the body of his work, as well as multiple American Library Association Notable Book Awards and Parent's Choice Gold Awards. He has been featured at such storytelling events as the Joseph Campbell Festival of Myth and Story, The Sierra Storytelling Festival, and the National Storytelling Festival. He is the father of two grown children and lives with his wife, Rose, in Rochester, NY.

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of bravery and determination. This retelling of an Indian parable tells of how even the smallest can make a difference. A touching story of perseverance.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This jātaka (tale of a previous birth of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form) tells the story of a little parrot who tries to put out a forest fire and save the animals. Soaking her feathers in water she flies over the fire again and again; each time refusing to fly away to safety. As the gods eat, drink and relax they notice the little parrot and laugh at her, until one of the gods is shamed into action. A beautiful tale of trying to help your fellow creatures.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tale of bravery and determination. When a tree is struck by lightning and threatens to burn the forest down, all the animals flee except for a brave little parrot. Determined to save their home, the parrot continuously scoops up water with a leaf and flies back and forth into the blazing woods to try and diminish the flames. Despite his pleas for help, the rest of the animals are too afraid and submit to watching their home burn. When some gods and goddesses happen to drift by, one of them is particularly touched by the parrot's behavior and begins to feel ashamed at living such a lavish and carefree life. The god transforms into a great eagle and begins to weep. Everywhere his tears land, the fire goes out and new life begins to grow. Soon the animals’ home is restored, all thanks to the little parrot. This story upholds Buddhist ideals, but also sends a very strong message about perseverance and standing up for what you believe in. These are concepts that children can understand, and the story is so engaging with its vivid artwork and exciting plot that I think it would make a very effective read-aloud.

[Benjamin Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely parable,..."The Brave Little Parrot" is a retelling of a traditional jataka tale from India, one of the stories about Buddha's past lives. Such stories are immensely popular throughout Asia and have been told and retold- and painted,carved, and dramatized- for 2,500 years.Beautiful illustrations by Susan Gaber adds to the charm of this lovely tale. Rafe Martin is one of my favorite storytellers,his books are always breathtaking, and is evident in his many award-winning children's books, including "The Rough-Face Girl",one of my all-time favorites! "Children will celebrate the brave little parrot's victory and ask for this story again and again. It's a wonderful choice for reading aloud." -Booklist.

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a retelling of a traditional jakata (story about Buddha's past lives) tale from ancient India. A brave little parrot's determination to save his animal friends and an island from a lightning fire with only a couple of drops of water at a time shames and humbles a powerful Indian god to tears. The god's tears save the island and make everything new again, including the now colorful plumage of the parrot.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOnderful book for young children that teaches even the smallest can make a difference!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outrageously good book encouraging each to do their own part, as their heart dictates, without thought of that effort being too little.

I have to buy this for everyone I know.

[Buxmont Uu]

PBWR 11