Petunia Paris lives a life of luxury and wants for very little, so her parents are challenged for gifts when her fifth birthday approaches; what to give their darling, indulged treasure? A talking parrot, of course, is what Petunia desires. The only thing is that the Peruvian macaw she receives is not as biddable as her parents and will offer nothing but a plaintive ‘Squarrk’. Petunia is angered and petulant but finally is saddened when she learns of her bird’s misery. Her sixth birthday finds the Paris family on a plane to guess where? This is a really appealing picture book with an endearing blend of wit and heart that will entertain 3–6 year olds.

Alexa Dretzke