ONE BIG VOICE HEARD AROUND THE WORLD
"What the Parrot Told Alice" is an engaging story about a curious young girl and a parrot who changes her view of the world. This environmental novel for readers eight and up entertains young readings while delivering an important message about wildlife smuggling, conservation and the environment. In reading What the Parrot Told Alice and Smith's other books in the Alice's World series, children learn their small voices can become one big voice heard around the world. What the Parrot Told Alice is available as a digital download from Amazon.
Chapter 1
IT WAS THIRTY YEARS AGO TODAY
In 1966, Manao, a young Solomon Islander, fells the biggest tree in the rain forest. The tribe magician causes Manao’s spirit to inhabit the body of a parrot, where it must remain until he communicates a message of conservation to a “special human being.”
Chapter 2
YOUR VOICE IN MY HEAD
It’s 1996, and twelve-year-old Alice and her pet Eclectus parrot, Bo—in whose body is trapped the Solomon Island boy—discover they can communicate.
Chapter 3
WHERE WERE YOU BEFORE YOU WERE HERE?
Alice learns to appreciate the rain forest through Bo Parrot’s eyes.
Chapter 4
A THOUSAND MONKEYS CLEARING THEIR THROATS
Bo Parrot recalls his capture on the day the forest was razed.
Chapter 5
THE END OF THE WILD WORLD
Bo Parrot’s smuggling ordeal is discussed over dinner.
Chapter 6
A CARGO OF SHAME
Kai, a Goffin’s cockatoo, tells Alice about his species’s darkest hour.
Chapter 7
PASSING BLUE
Alice meets, Simon, the last wild Spix’s macaw, who explains the tragedy of extinction.
Chapter 8
THE DANCE OF LIFE
Jocko, an African grey parrot, tells Alice what happened when his jungle was converted to agricultural land.
Chapter 9
WHEN A RANCH IS N0T A RANCH
Carmen, a “ranched” scarlet macaw, teaches Alice the difference between wildlife conservation and wildlife exploitation.
Chapter 10
BORN IN THE U.S.A.
Captive-bred Joaquin, a blue-fronted Amazon, explains why he is happy to be someone’s pet.
Chapter 11
THE MYSTERY OF THE DISTANCE
A wild raven lures Bo Parrot to freedom. As Bo Parrot leaves, he reminds Alice to listen to her heart.
Chapter 12
I ONCE HAD A PARROT . . .
As Alice begins to read her story about Bo Parrot to her class, a door at the back of the room opens, and a young boy enters the room.
POSTSCRIPT
THE MESSAGE AND THE MESSENGER
The author wonders if he is responsible for the book’s content.
GLOSSARY
Some not-so-common words and terms used in the text.
GET INVOLVED
Here are some worthwhile organizations to help you get started.
PARROT ANATOMY
What are those parrot parts called?
A few illustrations from 'What the Parrot Told Alice.'
Praise for “What the Parrot Told Alice”
“What the Parrot Told Alice” is not only delightful–it is inspired. So much information told in such an imaginative and utterly fascinating way.
Jane Goodall
'What the Parrot Told Alice' is a remarkable story, founded on fact. It is destined to awaken the conscience of young people to crucial issues of our time, such as habitat destruction and exploitation of wildlife. It deserves to be read (and will be greatly enjoyed) by all thinking people from nine to 90. It is so much more than a children's story -- it is a cry from the heart of one of an increasing band of forward-looking individuals who understand the destruction of the world's resources must be halted quickly, and that this can be done only by educating today's young people.
Rosemary Low, 'Parrots: Their Care and Breeding'
We highly recommend 'What the Parrot Told Alice' for students in grades 4 to 12 and for adults as well. This book deals with important issues including habitat destruction, extinction and exploitation of wildlife. The underlying goal is to encourage readers to become involved in saving animals and the earth.
The United Federation of Teachers, Humane Education Committee
As entertaining as it is enlightening and educational, this is an extraordinarily imaginative and magical book. (9-12 yrs.)
Chinaberry Books
'What the Parrot Told Alice' proves to be much more than a children’s story. It is a message to anyone of any age about the importance of preserving life–not just birds, but every living creature on the planet.
Bird Talk Magazine
With such a powerful message, the author skillfully rides the border between sermonizing and the lyric fantasy that draws the reader deeper into the narrative. 'What the Parrot Told Alice' is a deeply affecting and effective book that will linger in the hearts of those who read it.
Bird Watcher’s Digest
...a terrific conscious-raiser and call-to-action for young people...
Dr. Shirley McGreal, International Primate Protection League
Habitat destruction, extinction, and heedless exploitation of our environment is a sad and real aspect of our global society. We can hope that, through 'What the Parrot Told Alice,' Dale Smith will reach an entire generation of Alices and Als, and effect the appropriate, necessary changes in behavior that will save our earth and its creatures.
Irene M. Pepperberg, PhD, Associate Professor, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Psychology, University of Arizona
'What The Parrot Told Alice' entertains young readers (ages 10 an up) as it delivers a powerful, inspirational message about exotic bird smuggling and how important it is for young people to become involved in conserving and preserving the earth's natural resources. 'What The Parrot Told Alice' includes a resource guide for learning more about parrots and how to protect all endangered animals. What the Parrot Told Alice is an entertaining as it is informative and a highly recommended addition to all school and community library collections.
Midwest Book Review
This is such a wonderful book for adults as well as children. It is a creative and entertaining story that just happens to teach you so much about our world and fellow creatures. It allows you to ‘feel’ and understand the consequences of what we are doing to our world and the creatures in it. It explains habitat loss from the animals perspective. Children won’t even realize they are learning, but will be forever changed. This story will touch your heart and awaken your love for this planet and all of its creatures.
A reader from Charlotte, North Carolina, posted on Amazon.com
Recommended by Book It!
'What the Parrot Told Alice' is listed in the 1997-1998 annotated bibliography of the BOOK IT!® National Reading Incentive Program.
A few words from the most important reviewers of all... children who read 'What the Parrot Told Alice.'
'What the Parrot Told Alice' really inspired me to help the rain forest.
Savanna Dreher
I really liked 'What the Parrot Told Alice.' My favorite part was when Bobo turns into Simon.
Kase Scott
I felt like I was there. I have a question. How did you think of 'What the Parrot Told Alice?' It was totally cool. I have another question. Do you have advice for me? I want to be a writer like you.
Kaeleigh Anderson
My class just finished 'What the Parrot Told Alice' five minutes ago. I felt like I was there. I couldn't wait to read more. I can't wait to read the next book.
Quinn Heppe
Our class just read 'What the Parrot Told Alice.' I felt like I was in Bobo's world. The book inspired me to think about writing a book of my own!
Joan Young
I liked your book 'What the Parrot Told Alice.' My favorite part was the part where Bobo was free. Your parrot is smart.
Haley Baker
I loved your book. I felt like the whole world should help the rainforest. I will help the rainforest like Alice did in your book 'What the Parrot Told Alice.'
Ellie
Your book 'What the Parrot Told Alice' was marvelous. Your book inspired me. I liked the end when you wrote about how Alice wrote the story of Bobo in her class.
Guienivere Siver