I Need a Parrot

I Need a Parrot by Chris Mc Kimmie (Ford Street Publishing) HB RRP $24.95 ISBN 9781925804294

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

I Need a Parrot is a picture book full of word play and quirky illustrations that shine. The simplicity of the text in this story allows the visual narrative to sing and play. Just like a comedian says one word, then pulls a face creating laughter. A boy wants and needs a parrot and not anything else. But is this what a parrot wants? What the boy thinks a parrot wants and needs is not the same as a parrot’s needs. That is what this book is all about.

Mc Kimmie has cleverly used visual perspective and white space to great advantage. The voice of the boy is throughout the text and the voice of the parrot is throughout the illustrations. The tone of the whole book is quirky and fun. I particularly love the double spread with no words, and a sky-blue sky with a parrot in the top right-hand corner flying away.

This is a book for children aged 3 to 8 years. It will be well received by both children, parents and teachers. I love that this is a story that is so open, creating lots of thought and imagination. This book shows the genius of a picture book. It tells a story well and leaves the child with much to think about.