Stephanie Spinner

I remember when [b:Alex and Me|3018307|Alex & Me How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process|Irene M. Pepperberg|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1347735719s/3018307.jpg|3048873] came out in 2008. The story of the smartest bird in the world was bound to be rewritten for children and I think Stephanie Spinner has done a good job of it, especially for a 2nd to 5th grade audience and reluctant readers. With lots of colorful illustrations and a short, clear narrative, this story has major appeal for animal lovers and kids who only want TRUE stories. It might be interesting to compare this to [b:The One and Only Ivan|11594337|The One and Only Ivan|Katherine Applegate|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1326506063s/11594337.jpg|16536239] in terms of how animal intelligence is portrayed. Both stories really make you fall in love with the main animal character.

I took some issue with the author attributing motivations to Alex that weren't necessarily factual. For example, the author says Alex would answer incorrectly to "tease" the trainers or to "confuse" a younger bird also being trained in the lab. But I think these assertions are balanced in part by including this statement: "There were still people who doubted that Alex understood what he was saying, but Irene was sure that he did."

The sad ending and the tribute to the difference Alex made in the treatment of other African grey parrots also call to mind Ivan the gorilla. Two great books about two memorable animals!… (plus d'informations)