Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot, by Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop

 Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot 

Bibliography 

Montgomery, Sy. 2010. Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot. Photos by Nic Bishop. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 9780618494170. 

Plot Summary 

The book describes the plight of the endangered New Zealand kakapo, a large flightless parrot, and the intense efforts that scientists, conservationists, and volunteers are taking to help save the bird. The author and photographer were granted a 10-day visa to Codfish Island, the bird’s only remaining wild habitat, to shadow the people who were feeding, tracking, and monitoring the birds. The highlight of the experience for all was the birth of kakapo chicks, but sadly they also experienced tragedy during the time they spent there when two kakapo chicks as well as an established, older kakapo died unexpectedly. Pictures of events described in the book document the daily tasks required to protect the kakapo as well as other wildlife they encountered along the way. 

Critical Analysis 

The book did a fantastic job of showcasing the beauty of Codfish Island and conveying how dedicated the workers are to saving this rare species of bird. The photographs show the joy on scientists’ and volunteers’ faces anytime they have an encounter with a kakapo. The details of the author and photographer’s 10-day experience are written on white background, while other additional information such as background on New Zealand wildlife and the kakapo’s decline are printed on green background. The shades of green and brown used within the book reflect the colors of the kakapo and the natural landscape where they live, and the pages include cute details such as decorative leaves and a tiny hatching egg printed behind each page number. Photographs have very descriptive captions that identify the people and birds in the picture, tying them into the narrative on the pages.  

Review Excerpts 

2011 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal Winner 

2011 Orbis Pictus Award Commendation 

Horn Book Guide Starred, 10/1/2010  

“Montgomery's in-depth descriptions and Bishop's glorious photographs cover all aspects of the conservation effort. Layered into the account is information on New Zealand's history, its unique biodiversity, and the devastating consequences of human settlement on its fragile ecosystem.” 

School Library Journal Starred 6/1/2010  

Patricia Manning writes “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.” 

Connections 

As an animal lover and fan of conservation stories, I enjoyed this book very much. I think this story of the cute little (big) parrot would appeal to many readers in middle school or above, not just those who are interested in nature. Readers who enjoyed this book might also enjoy the author/photographer team's book The Tarantula Scientist ISBN 9780618915774 or Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea ISBN 9780618496419.