The Girl with the Parrot on Her Head

The story of the girl with the parrot on her head is based around the topic of friendship. It would be a useful tool to help children to understand and talk about losing and gaining friendships. The main character in the book is Isabel, who is left behind by her best friend Simon. It provides an interesting perspective, focussing on Isabel who is left feeling angry and lonely. Once she realises things aren't that bad without him, she begins to enjoy being on her own with her parrot. Isabel concentrates on sorting her bedroom out to take her mind off things. She sorts all of her toys into boxes and piles them at the side of her room but Isabel has one problem - the wolves. She worries about them during the night and thinks they are too big for her sorting system. Finally, Isabel finds a box that is large enough to house her wolves in the system. Inside the box, Isabel finds a boy called Chester who has his own plans for the box. Chester is worried about the wolves too but for very different reasons; he thinks they should be living in forests far away. Isabel realises that he is right and she tells the wolves all about the forests and mountains. Once the wolves have disappeared, Isabel and Chester have to decide on what to use the box for. Their new friendship blossoms over their challenge and they soon create their own space station which, of course, needs two astronauts. The story is interesting and is filled with child-like cartoons which make it more appealing. It is a good story to help to discuss friendships, however, some parts of the story seem unnecessary and poorly connected. Overall, a nice story for children aged 4 to 6. Picture Book, 40 pages / Ages 5+ / Reviewed by Lucy Newton, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 3+