Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Parrots Over Puerto Rico

Trumbore, Cindy. 2013. PARROTS OVER PUERTO RICO. Ill. by Susan Roth. New York: Lee & Low. ISBN 9781620140048. [Suggested grade levels 1-6]

REVIEW
In the 1960s, the beautiful Puerto Rican parrots were in danger of extinction. Although they had lived on the islands for thousands of years, centuries of exploration and foreign occupations, growth and development of the island resulting in destruction of their habitat had made them an endangered species. Trumbore, along with Roth’s brilliant collage illustrations, recount the story of the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program and the scientists involved in the effort to save the colorful birds. A history of Puerto Rico from before humans through the present is woven seamlessly into the narrative.

Roth’s illustrations are superb and infinitely framable with subtle landscapes and vibrant birds. Included in the text are photographs of the scientists working with the parents. The winner of the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award works on many levels.

CONNECTIONS
Use as part of a study of habitats and/or endangered animals as well as part of a study on different countries. Have students illustrate a story—either original or one of their favorites—using collage art.

RELATED BOOKS
Jenkins, Steve. ALMOST GONE: THE WORLD’S RAREST ANIMALS. ISBN  9780060535988
MacKay, Richard. ATLAS OF ENDANGERED SPECIES. ISBN  9780520258624
Sartore, Joel. RARE: PORTRAITS OF AMERICA’S ENDANGERED SPECIES. ISBN 9781426205750

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