Alex The Parrot

Alex The Parrot

Picture book
These days we have learned a lot about the intelligence of
animals and their capability of doing things--communicating through
sign language, showing empathy, using tools to achieve goals--that we
thought were the sole domain of humans. It wasn't always this way.
Stephanie Spinner's Alex The Parrot: No Ordinary Bird is the true
story of one of the critters who helped advance this enlightenment.
In 1977 Irene Pepperberg, a life long bird lover, became
fascinated with the idea of animal communication. Unlike most
researchers who worked with animals like apes, she chose an African
grey parrot, a critter capable of copying a wide range of sounds. She
named him Alex, an acronym for Avian Learning Experiment.
Alex did learn what he was meant to, exceeding even Irene's
expectations. He also developed a quite assertive disposition,
demanding what he wanted when he wanted it. When a younger bird was
introduced to be his companion he showed sibling rivalry as well as
any pre school human.
I highly reommend Alex The Parrot for critter loving kids and
parents.
On a personal note, I made three new friendly, fluffy feline friends
today.
A great big shout out goes out to cats and dogs and their human
companions.
Julia Emily Hathaway


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