KAKAPO RESCUE 

SAVING THE WORLD'S STRANGEST PARROT

Bibliography:

 Montgomery, Sy. 2010. KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD'S STRANGEST PARROT. Photograhps by Nic Bishop. New York. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 9780618494170 

Plot Summary:

Kakapo Rescue is an outstanding example of the photo-essay type of books. It is written and illustrated by animal-lovers Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop, respectively. The subject of the book is rescuing Kakapo, a type of parrot on the edge of extinction. Weighing up to nine pounds, the Kakapo is the heaviest parrot on Earth. It is also one of the rarest: there are only 91 Kakapo parrots left.

Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop arrived on Codfish Island, a remote island off New Zealand’s southern coast, to join the National Kakapo Rescue Team. This book is a result of their ten day observations on the island. Each member of the team has a unique skillset and performs different tasks. There are rangers, technical support officers, volunteers, a film maker, and a cook: “[the] most important job on the island, making sure everyone is well-fed and happy.”

As the days go by, Montgomery and Bishop witness little miracles on the island. They observe the hatching and feeding of Kakapo chicks and the preparing and delivery of special food for the parrots. They even share in the team’s gardening efforts.

Readers following the author’s adventures get to know these odd, flightless, nocturnal birds. Readers learn why these parrots’ feathers smell like honey, if these birds have whiskers, why they build their nests underground, and much more. And, this book not only informs us about one of the most endangered species of parrot, but also shows us the passion of humans whose mission it is to save these beautiful and rare birds.

Critical Analysis:

Sy Montgomery, a well-known naturalist, documentary script writer and radio communicator, also writes award-winning books for children and adults. Her book, Kakapo Rescue, includes historically and scientifically accurate facts. The information in the book is supported by a bibliography at the end of the book.

This informative book is organized like a chapter-book. Each of the nine chapters reveals an interesting story and facts about the life of Kakapo. The information is presented in a logical layout: from general facts about Kakapo and how they almost became extinct to the detailed planning of their rescue.

The design of the book is inviting and attractive. The full color illustrations reveal the breathtaking flora and fauna of Codfish Island, and compliment the text. Montgomery uses her unique style of writing to make the presentation of information lively and interesting. It encourages curiosity, and will not leave the reader indifferent to the future of the beautiful, mossy-green Kakapo.

Expert Reviews:

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

 KAKAPO RESCUE has been named one of 16 finalists for the American Association for the Advance of Science's 2011 Science 'Books and Films Prizes', for Excellence in Science Books.

KAKAPO RESCUE has been selected as a Kirkus Best Book of the Year 2010.

Booklist named KAKAPO RESCUE one of the Top 10 Sci-Tech titles for Youth!

KAKAPO RESCUE received a Blue Ribbon from The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books choices for the best books of 2010!

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Connections:

Have a talk about other animals that are almost extinct.

Read more books written by Sy Montgomery with photographs by Nic Bishop:

QUEST FOR THE TREE KANGAROO: AN EXPEDITION TO THE CLOUD FOREST OF NEW GUINEA. 

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

THE SNAKE SCIENTIST. 

THE TARANTULA SCIENTIST.

Organize a "did you know" bulletin board with interesting facts about rare animals.