A PAIR OF PARROTS

Filled with avian antics, this comic-style early reader teaches kids to count pairs.

On Ava’s birthday, Mom gives the child a cake, ribbons, and a “very messy bird.” The bird, Ava explains, was originally part of a pair: “That’s two. Now there is only one.” The energetic parrot raises such a ruckus that Ava and Mom decide to take her to the park. Ava, who uses a manual wheelchair, is overwhelmed when the leashed bird vexes a popcorn vendor. Later, they meet a friendly pair: elderly Anne and another parrot, named Sadie. Back at home, Ava mulls a name for the bird. Lilly sounds good. But when Mom tries to teach Lilly to say her own name, the bird repeats, “My name is Mandy”—Mom’s name! Ava’s attempts to explain the concept of pairs are more successful. When Lilly flies off without her leash, Mom and Ava panic. Ava reminds Mom that they, too, are a pair. “I LOVE being paired with you,” Mom says…and suddenly, both realize where Lilly is. Adler’s simple text and Elliott’s bright, expressive cartoon illustrations sweetly demonstrate pairs as both a numerical concept and an emotional bond; a family photo with three figures implies that one parent is gone. Ava’s solution to Lilly’s name conundrum provides a humorous, satisfying conclusion. Ava, Mom, and Anne have tan skin; background characters are racially diverse.

Instructive, fun, and heartwarming.