Spinner, Stephanie Alex the Parrot 48 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012. $12.23. (Rating: G)
When a graduate student had an idea about animal intelligence, she found just what she was looking for in an African Grey Parrot, whom she named Alex. This needy, funny, noisy, and most of all –Intelligent bird, surprised everyone. Alex learned not only words, colors, shapes, but surpassed much other language skills of animals previously studied, by making his own words up and more.
A fascinating story, interspersed with information about animal intelligence and past research subjects like Koko the Gorilla. The author really managed to portray the personality of Alex (which made the ending a bit sad). A welcome addition to a library collection that calls for information on Animal Intelligence, or simply a wonderful way to interest children for future careers as researchers, scientist, zoologists, etc.
ELEMENTARY – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
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