About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is longing for a deeper connection with a pet or feeling a bit lonely and in need of a 'secret' best friend. It is an ideal pick for the transition from simple chapter books to more nuanced middle-grade fiction, offering a witty blend of humor and heart that validates a child's inner world. The story follows Harry, who inherits a parrot named Madison from his eccentric American great-uncle. Far from being a typical bird, Mad is a sophisticated, chess-playing intellectual who can actually converse. Their secret bond creates a delightful sense of 'us against the world.' While it touches on the death of a relative at the start, the tone remains light, British, and adventurous. It is a wonderful choice for encouraging empathy and exploring the idea that friendship can come in the most unexpected forms.
