Book Review: KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT written by Sy Montgomery

Bibliography

Montgomery, Sy. KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT. Ill. by Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010. ISBN 0618494170

Plot Summary

In the interesting informational text, KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT, author Sy Montgomery and nature photographer Nic Bishop tell the story of efforts in New Guinea to save the kakapo, a rare flightless and unusual bird. On Codfish Island, the National Kakapo Recovery Team works to save the dwindling population of the kakapo. Given special permission to learn more about the kakapo, Montgomery and Bishop set out on a ten day expedition to Codfish Island to observe and learn about the kakapo and what scientists are still doing to save the parrots. KAKAPO RESCUE gives the story of their journey with these wonderful and trusting birds.

Critical Analysis

KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT is based on the firsthand experiences of the author and photographer and is part of the nonfiction series, SCIENTISTS IN THE FIELD. An author’s note states that most research for the book was done onsite, though further research was conducted and a bibliography was provided. The text and photographs are correct and enlightening. The text is enhanced with color photographs taken by well-known nature photographer Nic Bishop and provide further detail and information to the story. 

KAKAPO RESCUE is organized in a logical manner with chapters and an index to help readers find specific information in the text. The few sidebars in the book give readers more information and facts about the topic. The style of the text demonstrates Montgomery’s passion for the kakapo and for saving the species from extinction. At the end of the book, information is provided about how readers can help save the kakapo as well. The story encourages advocacy and curiosity. The design of the book is attractive with large color photographs and readable text. Photographs are almost on every page, which younger and older readers should both enjoy and appreciate. The story is inviting and even provides moments that tug at the reader’s heart, especially dealing with the deaths of the kakapo. 

Review Excerpt(s)

Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal for the most distinguished nonfiction children's book of 2010.

From School Library Journal

            “Excellent photos and a readable, conversational text provide an intimate look at a concerted effort to save a drastically endangered species unfamiliar to most of the world outside Down Under.” Patricia Manning

From Booklist

“As usual, Montgomery's delight in her subject is contagious, and throughout her enthusiastic text, she nimbly blends scientific and historical facts with immediate, sensory descriptions of fieldwork.” Gillian Engberg

Book Connections

Other books by Sy Montgomery:

SAVING THE GHOST OF THE MOUNTAIN: AN EXPEDITION AMONG SNOW LEOPARDS IN MONGOLIA, ISBN 0547727348.

THE QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA, ISBN 054724892X.

CHASING CHEETAHS: THE RACE TO SAVE AFRICA’S FASTEST CAT, ISBN 0547815492.

Other books with pictures by Nic Bishop:

NIC BISHOP SNAKES, ISBN 0545206383.

BACKYARD DETECTIVE: CRITTERS UP CLOSE, ISBN 0439174783.

FOREST EXPLORER: A LIFE-SIZED FIELD GUIDE, ISBN 0439174805.

Activities for KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT:

•  As part of an animal conservation unit, read this story as well as other books in the SCIENTISTS IN THE FIELD SERIES to learn more about endangered animals and how people are helping. Have students come up with their own ideas for rescuing endangered animals.
• Have students create a “Did You Know?” bulletin board display for the library about the kakapo parrot and other endangered animals. Make sure to include information about conservation efforts as well.
• After reading KAKAPO RESCUE, have students create science journals that explain what a kakapo is, how they live, what they eat, and other interesting facts.
• Brainstorm with students to get ideas for a kakapo service learning project and implement some of the ideas, such as a letter-writing campaign or fundraising.