2012 One Book For Kids Selection: "The Secret Message" by Mina Javaherbin
“All day the bird sang of longing. But the merchant would not let him go…”
Alone, imprisoned in a golden cage, and far from the jungles of home, a parrot longs for freedom. Will he ever escape? Thanks to a secret message passed along by his friends in India, the parrot outwits his wealthy owner and soars to freedom.
Based on an ancient Persian poem, this is a story of surprising cleverness, powerful solidarity, exotic travels, and a simple wish fulfilled. This enchanting tale told with subtle humor and vibrant images is a perfect introduction to the culture, literature, and history of the Middle East.