Kelley,
Jane. The
Desperate Adventures of Zeno & Alya. Macmillan/Feiwel &
Friends 2013 201p $15.99 ISBN 978-1-250-02348-3 ms Animals E-BN
When his master dies, Zeno, an African gray parrot, gets loose. Zeno knows 127 words and is totally
domesticated. He flies around New York
City looking for food,
shelter, and a new “servant” (parrot-talk for “master”). At the same time, Alya,
who has leukemia, has almost given up. She
needs a friend desperately. This is a
story of frustration and
persevering in spite of the setbacks. Zeno tries his best to be understood by
humans and to make his needs known, often with unsuccessful results, but he
keeps trying. Alya is frustrated that
she can’t do the things she used to do and loves to do.
Her family does its best to help, but it isn’t enough.
This title often brings tears to the
reader’s eye, but it is never maudlin or depressing. It is about loss and cancer, but not about worry
and defeat. Instead it is a testament
to the spirit of overcoming adversity
and perseverance.
The story will hold the reader from the first page to the last, with the reader rooting for both Zena and Alya all the way through. It will be enjoyed by readers from about age ten on up. Adults will see it as a triumph of spirit.
Summary: An African gray parrot, Zeno, is on the loose and looking for a friend to take care
of him. Alya has leukemia and
desperately needs a friend and a reason to keep living.
A perfect match, if it can only happen.
Parrots-Fiction,
Animal stories --Joan
Theal
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