Amazon Prime Free Trial
FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button and confirm your Prime free trial.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited FREE Prime delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
-23% $13.11$13.11
Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com
$12.45$12.45
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: GreatBookDealz
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the authors
OK
Memoirs of a Parrot Hardcover – Picture Book, May 1, 2016
Purchase options and add-ons
Day Four
I'm exhausted.
Today a guy spent an hour asking me my name.
I kept telling him.
"Brock," I said. “Brock! Brock! BROCK!”
He looked very disappointed.
I guess he wanted it to be something else.
Like Poly.
Join a brilliant, but stubborn, parrot as he endures the banality of the pet store before being purchased by an equally insufferable young man. But while things between parrot and owner get off to a rocky start, the delights of having a pet (or human) bring them both around in the end. This book from the award-winning author/illustrator team Devin Scillian and Tim Bowers of the Memoirs series is sure to please fans new and old.
- Reading age5 - 8 years
- Print length32 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade levelKindergarten - 3
- Lexile measureAD520L
- Dimensions11 x 0.25 x 9 inches
- PublisherSleeping Bear Press
- Publication dateMay 1, 2016
- ISBN-101585369624
- ISBN-13978-1585369621
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Editorial Reviews
Review
Memoirs of a Parrot written by Devin Scillian and illustrated by Tim Bowers is an amusing tale of Brock the parrot and his challenges adjusting to a new life with his new owner, Todd.
Readers are introduced to Brock and his parrot friend Tik Tok as they discuss the communication styles of others in Wilbur s Pet shop where they both live. As they discuss others, they decide that parrots are the only real talkers since dogs seem to yap, fish don t say anything, and while cats may talk, they obviously choose not to.
Brock continually expresses his frustrations with the people who come into the pet shop primarily because they keep calling him Polly and always ask him if he wants a cracker which he thinks, uh, no ! His friend Tik Tok thinks that they should enjoy the attention, but Brock says, Please and that he would rather gargle a pinecone!
One day, a young man came into the pet store and spent a long time asking his name and repeatedly Brock replied Brock! Brock! Brock! Unfortunately, the man seemed disappointed. The next day though, he came back and tried talked to him and told him that his name was Todd. Later, Tik Tok told Brock that the man might buy him and take him home which was a surprise since Brock didn t realize that he was for sale.
Sure enough, Todd did come back to take Brock home and for a short time he actually hoped that Todd lived in a rain forest with bananas and butterflies. That, of course, was not the case; Todd lived in an apartment, played the ukulele, and gave him crackers to eat. Really??? Frustrated, Brock thought he d rather kiss a rattlesnake than stay with Todd and listen to him play that ukelele.
On the second day in his new home, Brock discovered the toaster next to his cage and when he dropped the cracker into the toaster, it would pop out warm and tasty which actually wasn t too bad. Todd gave Brock crackers every day and would tell him to say thank you but Brock refused to speak Todd s language and would only say croop in response to Todd s urgings. Frustrated, Todd played his ukulele. Todd also tried to give Brock the new name of Echo but again, Brock refused to communicate.
After eleven days, Todd took Brock back to the pet shop and complained that his parrot would not talk. Brock, of course, complained to Tik Tok about Todd. When Tik Tok learned that Brock had a nice cage and was able to eat toasted crackers and figs every day, and that Brock was warm and dry, he didn t understand why Todd couldn t be a friend. Brock quipped back that he d rather wear a sweater made of ants!
Days went by and Todd began to give up when Brock refused to say his name or communicate in any way. Brock was disappointed that Todd began to ignore him, but he was not willing to speak Todd s language.
One night, a few days later, Brock dropped his cracker into the toaster and waited for it to pop up. He waited and waited but suddenly smoke began to pour out of the toaster! Realizing the danger, Brock yelled, TODD! TODD! TODD! He woke up, saw the smoke and ran out of the apartment, leaving Brock behind. Just a quickly, Todd ran back into the apartment, pulled the toaster plug and grabbed Brock s cage and took him outside. Brock couldn t believe that Todd had saved him and when Todd asked him if he was okay, he answered, Thank you. Stunned, Todd looked and him and said, what ?
With that, Brock said to him, Echo says thank you. From that point on, Echo and Todd were best of friends with Todd playing his ukulele and Echo singing along in Todd s language.
Readers of all ages will appreciate this delightful tale written by Michigan author, Devin Scillian and also will enjoy the bold illustrations of Tim Bowers particularly the final picture which shows the friendship of newly named Echo and his human her --The Children's Bookshelf
Memoirs of a Parrot by Devin Scillian, illustrated by Tim Bowers, (Sleeping Bear Press, $16.99) is a highly entertaining 32-page book that s ideal for children under 8 years old.
That doesn t mean that kids over eight or adults - won t like it, too, but younger imaginations can sometimes soar more. It s full of great, vivid illustrations that makes the characters and storyline come alive
It focuses on 15 days in the life of Brock the parrot, a smart bird who s living at Wilbur s Pet Shop. He s got a friend, Tik Tok, a Blue Macaw; there are cats and dogs there, too, but they re not saying much of importance.
Brock doesn t like people calling him Polly and asking if he wants a cracker. It just doesn t make a lot of sense to him.
Soon he finds out that he s being offered for sale; a goofy guy named Todd comes back and buys him, taking him home to a small apartment.
Then his adventures really begin as he finds life with the ukulele-playing Todd challenging.
There s a lot more that happens but I don t want to spoil the story; it s fun watching the Brock come to appreciate his new lifestyle.
This is the third book in the series, by the highly successful author/ illustrator team, following the very popular Memoirs of a Goldfish and Memoirs of a Hamster .
They ve also combined their efforts in Memoirs of an Elf , which deals with an oddball adventure with Santa Claus.
Their latest book is a bit unusual it comes with a warning notice on the back of the title page: A note on Parrots from In Defense of Animals which describes many problems facing the species.
Scillian is an award-winning journalist and news anchor for WDIV-TV in Detroit; he s also the creative author of the bestselling A is for America as well as many other children s books.
Tim Bowers, who lives in central Ohio, originally worked for Hallmark Cards as an illustrator. He has since illustrated over 35 children s books, including Dream Big, Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi.
Memoirs of a Parrot is ideal to be read aloud it s a wonderful choice for any parent or librarian who wants to stimulate young minds. --Lansing State Journal
About the Author
Even at a young age, Tim Bowers's artwork reflected a strong sense of humor and an interest in animals. Prior to illustrating children's books, Tim worked as an artist for Hallmark Cards, where he helped launch the popular Shoebox Greetings card line. His first children's book, The Toy Circus, was published in 1986. He now has illustrated more than 25 children's books and garnered various awards including the Chicago Public Library's "Best of the Best" list and several Junior Library Guild selections. Tim's artwork has been included in the Society of Illustrators Annual Art Exhibition and the S.I. Humor Exhibition, as well as featured in children's magazines, used on a wide variety of products, and appeared on hundreds of greeting cards. Original paintings from several books are in private and institutional collections across the country. Tim lives with his family in Granville, Ohio, and travels to schools and libraries to share his work with students.
Product details
- Publisher : Sleeping Bear Press; First Edition (May 1, 2016)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 32 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1585369624
- ISBN-13 : 978-1585369621
- Reading age : 5 - 8 years
- Lexile measure : AD520L
- Grade level : Kindergarten - 3
- Item Weight : 15.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 11 x 0.25 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #213,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #676 in Children's Bird Books (Books)
- #3,772 in Children's Friendship Books
- #3,986 in Children's Humor
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
When I wrote my first children's story in high school, I don't think I could quite see the day when I would actually become a published author. (I certainly didn't envision myself being invited to read at the White House.) But I do know that from the very first story (which was called, "The Journey to the City" by the way) I was completely taken by the joyous freedom that comes with writing for young readers (even though I was a seriously young WRITER at the time).
It took another ten years or so before I started seriously working at getting published, and another ten years after that before I actually received that magical acceptance from an editor. It was like crossing a far away finish line. And I think that just after "Fibblestax" was published, I thought that I could check that box (the "published author" box) and move on to something else. I don't know that I could see another dozen or so books pouring from me. I mean, I had a "regular" job as anchor of the news at the NBC affiliate in Detroit; it was often more than a fulltime gig. But in children's books, I quickly found a calling.
Shortly after "Fibblestax" was published, my editor called me and told me to think about a book called "A is for America." She didn't say to write it; she just said to think about it.
I couldn't think of anything else.
Having grown up in a military family all over the country and all over the world, and having watched my father head off for three tours of duty in Vietnam, I had a lot of thoughts about America. And in just a few days, I had completed the book. It was odd --- ten years to get "Fibblestax" published, less than a week to get "A is for America" on its way. But as "America" became a national bestseller and I began hearing from teachers all over the country using the book in their classrooms, I developed a new understanding of the power of a picture book. (I'll never forget the morning one of my daughters started yelling for us all to come to the television because the "Today" show had just shown my book sitting beneath the White House Christmas tree.)
Years and many books later, I love to look at the characters who've walked the road with me --- Fibblestax, Cosmo and his moon, Brewster the Rooster, Moses (who led his family to an Oklahoma homestead in "Pappy's Handkerchief") and the others. They've become a part of our family. And I can't wait to meet those who line the road ahead.
Tim Bowers has illustrated over 50 children’s books including the New York Times bestsellers: DREAM BIG, LITTLE PIG! by Kristi Yamaguchi, DINOSAUR PET by Neil Sedaka and Marc Sedaka, and SORRY, GROWN-UPS, YOU CAN'T GO TO SCHOOL! by Christina Geist.
His books have received numerous national and state awards and Bowers has illustrated stories by some of America’s most popular children’s book authors and celebrities, including: PAJAMAS by Livingston Taylor and FOOTLOOSE by singer/song writer, Kenny Loggins.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoy the book's storyline and humor. They find it entertaining with fabulous artwork. The book is suitable for young children to listen to or read themselves, making it a must-have for their library. Readers appreciate the message and how the author makes a strong point that a parrot is not a frivolous pet.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story. They find it nice and engaging with a good message about friendship. The artwork is fabulous.
"Memoirs of a Parrot is a wonderful story. It is funny. It is also endearing. If you are teaching character traits and evolution of a character...." Read more
"Just the nicest story of what’s important in friendship, portrayed by parrot and human ❤️ I read it to my second grade class, they adore it." Read more
"A great tale telling how a parrot finds his perfect home. Great mentor text for memoirs." Read more
"...He read it in the library at school and wanted it for his birthday. Cute story." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the fish sarcastic and the hamster content.
"Memoirs of a Parrot is a wonderful story. It is funny. It is also endearing. If you are teaching character traits and evolution of a character...." Read more
"...Memoirs of a Parrot is just as cute & funny! He doesn’t usually like to read, but this book is so funny he can’t stop." Read more
"...The fish is wonderfully sarcastic and the hamster obliviously content (then not then back to wonderfully content)...." Read more
"...It’s the first time I had to pause reading because I was laughing so hard. Highly recommend." Read more
Customers find the book suitable for young children to listen to or read themselves. It's easy for them to understand and a good addition to their child's library.
"This book is cute, good for young children to listen to or read themselves, depending on their age and ability." Read more
"...and how it takes time to warm up to people.its easily written for a young child to understand" Read more
"...This newest addition didn't disappoint! A must have for your child's library!" Read more
"I love the series! They are perfect read alouds for my first graders!" Read more
Customers like the message. They say the author makes a strong point that a parrot is not a frivolous pet.
"...And as a kid's book, it's pretty good! I really like how Devin makes a strong point that a parrot is not a frivolous pet in the way a hamster or..." Read more
"...It's humorous with a good message." Read more
"Great storyline with a good message, entertaining with fabulous artwork" Read more
Reviews with images
As funny as Memoirs of a Tortoise was heart-warming
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2019Memoirs of a Parrot is a wonderful story. It is funny. It is also endearing. If you are teaching character traits and evolution of a character. This book is an entertaining way to do that.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024Just the nicest story of what’s important in friendship, portrayed by parrot and human ❤️ I read it to my second grade class, they adore it.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2021This book is cute, good for young children to listen to or read themselves, depending on their age and ability.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2019My 6 year old son loves Memoirs of a Goldfish. Memoirs of a Parrot is just as cute & funny! He doesn’t usually like to read, but this book is so funny he can’t stop.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2019A great tale telling how a parrot finds his perfect home. Great mentor text for memoirs.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2019I love reading this to my students each year. Memoirs of a Goldfish and Memoirs of a Hamster are better stories, but this one is still cute.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2020Love this book. Birds have so much personality that this helps understand how they feel and how it takes time to warm up to people.its easily written for a young child to understand
- Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2018My 8 year old loves this book. He read it in the library at school and wanted it for his birthday. Cute story.
Top reviews from other countries
- KimmErReviewed in Canada on July 19, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE this series!
One of my absolute FAVOURITE series. Highly recommend! Extremely underrated. It's excellent for Read Alouds!
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on June 11, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Does Polly want a cracker?
Absolutely love it! Hilarious journey of friendship and understanding through new forms of communication. My class loves all the Memoir books and have taken to writing their own memoir stories complete with interesting characters and signature phrases. They even wanted to skip recess to work! Devin Scillian is a gifted writer whose talents reach far and wide as he crafts the most vivid characters that you feel you know, or would want to know. Tim Bowers bright and creative artwork brings the story off the page in an exciting and accurate way. Kudos to both of you!
- Christopher ParkerReviewed in Canada on March 30, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars We already had the Goldfish and Hamster books by the same author but this one is probably my favorite.
My daughter loves this book. We already had the Goldfish and Hamster books by the same author but this one is probably my favorite.
- Client d'AmazonReviewed in Canada on April 7, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars perfect!
The kids loved it!
- GizmoReviewed in Canada on October 8, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars It is from a series by this author
Good story for young kids. Girlfriend got this for my girls and they love it.