The new picture book Parrots Over Puerto Rico
What catches your eye right away are the mixed-media collage parrots on the cover. What holds your attention is the fascinating story of the history of the Puerto Rican parrot, tied in a unique way with the history of the island of Puerto Rico.
It is a heart wrenching story. Once numbering in the millions, the parrots have faced lost of nesting sites due to hurricanes and deforestation, plus competition and predation from introduced species like black rats and pearly-eyed thrashers. Over time, fewer and fewer parrots have survived.
Eventually, by the 1960s, the numbers of Puerto Rican parrot dwindled to mere handfuls. People stepped in and started captive breeding programs like the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program to try to restore the species. The back matter of the book includes color photographs and a description of the ongoing efforts.
Due to their work, we can still see Puerto Rican parrots like the ones in this video.
Parrots Over Puerto Rico is the type of book you need to have on hand because it can be used in so many ways. Obviously it is perfect to accompany art lessons on collage in an art class. Pick it up for units on birds in science class, or for discussions of environmental issues and conservation. It also has an important place in units on U. S. history, because the history of Puerto Rico is covered in detail. Add darling parrots and the ongoing drama of whether they are going to survive and it truly is outstanding.
Ages 6 to 11
Grades 1 to 6
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (September 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1620140047
ISBN-13: 978-1620140048
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Today’s round up is at Abby the Librarian.