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Pablo and Birdy
A Parent’s Choice Award Gold Member Winner
A boy who drifted into the seaside town of Isla as a baby searches for answers about where he and his parrot came from in this “memorable, fantastical tale” ( Kirkus Reviews , starred review) from New York Times bestselling author Alison McGhee.
The seaside town of Isla has many stories, the most notable being the legend of the Seafaring Parrot. Locals claim that the Seafarer remembers every sound, every whisper, cry, laugh, or snort ever uttered. But, though there have been rumored Seafarer sightings , no one has actually seen the bird before. Other stories surround a boy named Pablo, who had washed up on shore in a blow-up swimming pool as an infant with only a lavender parrot as a companion. Now, on the eve of his tenth birthday, the stories are repeated.
“At first I thought it was a huge fish,” Emmanuel, the man who found and took Pablo in, says. Pierre, the baker’s guess was a good Perhaps Pablo has come from an undiscovered country, one unknown to the rest of the world. Maybe the inhabitants there lived in tree houses, or underground. Or maybe he’s a pirate baby. But Pablo wants the truth, and the only one who might know it is Birdy, his parrot. After all, she was there, holding onto the raft. But unlike most birds who live in Isla, Birdy can neither talk or fly. Or, at least, she never has. Until…one day, when strong winds begin to blow—winds similar to the ones that brought Pablo to shore—Birdy begins to mutter. Could Birdy be a Seafaring parrot? If she is, then she will be able to tell Pablo the true story of where he came from—of who tied him so lovingly and safely to that raft? But, if she is, that also means the second part of the Seafarer myth is true…that Seafaring Parrots will, eventually, fly away.
As Pablo is buzzing with questions, hopes, and fears, an old saying echoes in his winds of change mean fortune lost or fortune gained. And while the winds rise in Isla, Pablo holds tight to Birdy. Would losing his companion, his dearest link to his past, be that loss?
A boy who drifted into the seaside town of Isla as a baby searches for answers about where he and his parrot came from in this “memorable, fantastical tale” ( Kirkus Reviews , starred review) from New York Times bestselling author Alison McGhee.
The seaside town of Isla has many stories, the most notable being the legend of the Seafaring Parrot. Locals claim that the Seafarer remembers every sound, every whisper, cry, laugh, or snort ever uttered. But, though there have been rumored Seafarer sightings , no one has actually seen the bird before. Other stories surround a boy named Pablo, who had washed up on shore in a blow-up swimming pool as an infant with only a lavender parrot as a companion. Now, on the eve of his tenth birthday, the stories are repeated.
“At first I thought it was a huge fish,” Emmanuel, the man who found and took Pablo in, says. Pierre, the baker’s guess was a good Perhaps Pablo has come from an undiscovered country, one unknown to the rest of the world. Maybe the inhabitants there lived in tree houses, or underground. Or maybe he’s a pirate baby. But Pablo wants the truth, and the only one who might know it is Birdy, his parrot. After all, she was there, holding onto the raft. But unlike most birds who live in Isla, Birdy can neither talk or fly. Or, at least, she never has. Until…one day, when strong winds begin to blow—winds similar to the ones that brought Pablo to shore—Birdy begins to mutter. Could Birdy be a Seafaring parrot? If she is, then she will be able to tell Pablo the true story of where he came from—of who tied him so lovingly and safely to that raft? But, if she is, that also means the second part of the Seafarer myth is true…that Seafaring Parrots will, eventually, fly away.
As Pablo is buzzing with questions, hopes, and fears, an old saying echoes in his winds of change mean fortune lost or fortune gained. And while the winds rise in Isla, Pablo holds tight to Birdy. Would losing his companion, his dearest link to his past, be that loss?
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2017
17 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Alison McGhee
55 books404 followersAlison McGhee writes novels, picture books, poems, and essays for all ages, including the just-published THE OPPOSITE OF FATE, a novel, and the #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestseller SOMEDAY, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Her work has been translated into more than 20 languages. She lives in Minneapolis and California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 30, 2017
Incredibly moving, creative story. One of my favorites for a 2018 Newbery.
August 16, 2019
I liked this gentle story of a boy, Pablo, and the beautiful and mysterious parrot named Birdy who watched out for him on the island Isla. Despite predicting much of the action, I thought the characters were charming, including the hilarious Committee of parrots, budgie and rooster that wanders the town commenting on everything they see. Plus, Ana Juan’s illustrations were lovely, and heightened the otherworldliness of Birdy and the atmosphere of Isla.
October 11, 2017
Even though I felt like I knew where the story was headed, I enjoyed this charming tale about a boy and the bird who watched out for him.
November 14, 2016
Loved this story! So sweet! All the characters were wonderful. The setting was magical, the whole story was magical, actually! I'm thinking 3rd grade up will enjoy this tale of two friends with pretty amazing beginnings. Alison McGhee's book is sure to be a winner!
August 14, 2017
A heart-warming tale about the bonds of friendship, pains of the past and the hope, which a change in the winds might bring.
After a large storm, Pablo was found washed up on the shores of an island, bound inside a child's swimming pool with Birdy, a parrot, as his loyal guard. As Pablo is left with a fear of the sea and storms, Birdy carries his own scars and refuses to talk or fly. Ten years have past, and Pablo and Birdy have become an integral part of the small town, where the story of a never-seen Seafaring Parrot which can fly impossible distances over the ocean and hears/speaks every noise ever made, draws in tourists by the troves. When the 'winds of change' come with an approaching storm, a news woman and her team of scientists set out to be the first to find and capture this mysterious bird. Since no one even knows if this bird exists, this doesn't seem to be a problem. But then, Birdy speaks and it's in a voice Pablo only holds in his deepest memories--the voice of his own mother.
The setting alone comes to life like a masterpiece. The small, island town over-flows with a vibrant but simple life. The details dribble in allowing the smell of the bakery or taste of the breeze to settle in on every page. But it's the characters which really add the zest. There are only about half a dozen human ones and a few birds, but each one has an unforgettable personality. They don't always get along or agree, but this is a town where everyone sticks together and does the best they can. It's a true home with a sense of safety, which makes it hard not to love the town and the people.
Pablo has a sad, secret past, and this hangs as a gentle, longing pain in the background. He's full of life and clings to his best friend Birdy with so much love that it's hard not to want to hug both of them. Behind Pablo's light-heart mask, he holds a ton of questions and a bitter sadness, which he only shares with Birdy. And Birdy loves him back. It's an inspiring relationship, which touches the heart.
The story flows at a very steady pace and never leaves a dull moment. Pablo's concerns carry layers of mystery, ones which demand to be discovered. The serious moments are spiced up with the quirky band of Parrots, who despite their slim parrot vocabulary, make their thoughts more than known and ensure several giggles. Even the townspeople add a perfect sense of humor as their rich and humorous personalities clash, and bring out the funnier side of working over differences and living together. The added chapters of a stray dog and his own difficult past--but as an amazing desire for the bakeries elephant ears--are like a cherry on top of an emotional sundae.
As a special treat, there are wonderful illustrations sprinkled between the pages. These pencil drawings add a lovely glimpse at the characters and scenes, and appear at all the right times. But then, I'm always a huge fan of illustrations, especially in middle grade fiction.
Above all things, this is a story with heart. Mountains of it. Pablo and Birdy are impossible not to love, and the townspeople are natural neighbors, which one wishes they could have. Pablo's search for answers, his attempts to save Birdy and the ache of discovering the truth make this an unforgettable tale. Add the flavor of a South American island, and it's a book kids ages 8 to 12 (and even older readers) are sure to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy and found this one so terrific that I wanted to share my honest thoughts.
After a large storm, Pablo was found washed up on the shores of an island, bound inside a child's swimming pool with Birdy, a parrot, as his loyal guard. As Pablo is left with a fear of the sea and storms, Birdy carries his own scars and refuses to talk or fly. Ten years have past, and Pablo and Birdy have become an integral part of the small town, where the story of a never-seen Seafaring Parrot which can fly impossible distances over the ocean and hears/speaks every noise ever made, draws in tourists by the troves. When the 'winds of change' come with an approaching storm, a news woman and her team of scientists set out to be the first to find and capture this mysterious bird. Since no one even knows if this bird exists, this doesn't seem to be a problem. But then, Birdy speaks and it's in a voice Pablo only holds in his deepest memories--the voice of his own mother.
The setting alone comes to life like a masterpiece. The small, island town over-flows with a vibrant but simple life. The details dribble in allowing the smell of the bakery or taste of the breeze to settle in on every page. But it's the characters which really add the zest. There are only about half a dozen human ones and a few birds, but each one has an unforgettable personality. They don't always get along or agree, but this is a town where everyone sticks together and does the best they can. It's a true home with a sense of safety, which makes it hard not to love the town and the people.
Pablo has a sad, secret past, and this hangs as a gentle, longing pain in the background. He's full of life and clings to his best friend Birdy with so much love that it's hard not to want to hug both of them. Behind Pablo's light-heart mask, he holds a ton of questions and a bitter sadness, which he only shares with Birdy. And Birdy loves him back. It's an inspiring relationship, which touches the heart.
The story flows at a very steady pace and never leaves a dull moment. Pablo's concerns carry layers of mystery, ones which demand to be discovered. The serious moments are spiced up with the quirky band of Parrots, who despite their slim parrot vocabulary, make their thoughts more than known and ensure several giggles. Even the townspeople add a perfect sense of humor as their rich and humorous personalities clash, and bring out the funnier side of working over differences and living together. The added chapters of a stray dog and his own difficult past--but as an amazing desire for the bakeries elephant ears--are like a cherry on top of an emotional sundae.
As a special treat, there are wonderful illustrations sprinkled between the pages. These pencil drawings add a lovely glimpse at the characters and scenes, and appear at all the right times. But then, I'm always a huge fan of illustrations, especially in middle grade fiction.
Above all things, this is a story with heart. Mountains of it. Pablo and Birdy are impossible not to love, and the townspeople are natural neighbors, which one wishes they could have. Pablo's search for answers, his attempts to save Birdy and the ache of discovering the truth make this an unforgettable tale. Add the flavor of a South American island, and it's a book kids ages 8 to 12 (and even older readers) are sure to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy and found this one so terrific that I wanted to share my honest thoughts.
August 19, 2017
Pablo is turning ten on the tiny island of Isla - that in and of itself is not a big deal except that Pablo and his beautiful bright parrot mysteriously showed up on the island's shore in a swimming pool when he was an infant. Birdy, his parrot, has never flown nor has she talked the way the other parrots do on the island. Her unusual markings have gotten the attention of some who think she might be a rare seafaring parrot and scientists are on the hunt for her so they can lock her up to study her. Pablo must find a way to save Birdy and also try to understand how she is trying to tell him what she knows of his history. She does communicate in her own way and gives him the love and courage to accept change. Friends are found in all places and come in all shapes and sizes - just like family. Sweet story that will appeal to animal lovers or anyone who is longs to dig their toes in the sand and feel the sea breeze in their hair (or feathers).
November 14, 2017
Disclaimer: I'm a bird-nut, so this fits me like a glove. Anyone who uses the expression "birdbrain" in a derogatory way does NOT know birds.
Beyond that, this is such a charming story, loaded with distinctive and appealing characters in a setting rarely described, with relationships that are unique and and yet feel warmly familiar at their core.
The magical/fantasy/legendary portions of the story are well done and and may entice some readers of that genre to read a story firmly anchored in reality.
** Could be a welcome way for displaced readers to find themselves in a story that mildly parallels their own journeys while offering entertainment and escape.
Beyond that, this is such a charming story, loaded with distinctive and appealing characters in a setting rarely described, with relationships that are unique and and yet feel warmly familiar at their core.
The magical/fantasy/legendary portions of the story are well done and and may entice some readers of that genre to read a story firmly anchored in reality.
** Could be a welcome way for displaced readers to find themselves in a story that mildly parallels their own journeys while offering entertainment and escape.
October 12, 2019
Pablo was the boy who washed up on the shores of Isla in a baby pool. Birdy was the lavender-feathered parrot who was strapped to Pablo. Pablo has never known what his story was of how he washed up, but all he knows is that the people on the island are friendly to him, and that Birdy has always wanted to be by Pablo's side. But Pablo is turning 10, and he wants to know the truth about who he is, and why he is on the island. And legends of Seafaring Parrots that can repeat all the sounds that have ever been said are arriving with the winds of change which can only mean two things: Fortune gained or fortune lost. But then Pablo starts to hear voices in his sleep, when there is nobody around except Birdy. And Pablo realizes that he is not imagining the voices, and that Birdy is saying them. And then Pablo gets sucked up into an epic quest to find out the truth.
Also, Pablo and Birdy tells the story of a homeless dog living in an alleyway and stealing elephant ears and other pastries whenever he could. This adds another important ingredient to the recipe of the book.
I think this book tells an important story of being happy with what you have and trying to live the best life possible. I like this book because it's about birds and it also has an important moral. I think that the age range for this book is 8+ because younger kids might not get the plot line that well and it's also a bit sad at the end.
Also, Pablo and Birdy tells the story of a homeless dog living in an alleyway and stealing elephant ears and other pastries whenever he could. This adds another important ingredient to the recipe of the book.
I think this book tells an important story of being happy with what you have and trying to live the best life possible. I like this book because it's about birds and it also has an important moral. I think that the age range for this book is 8+ because younger kids might not get the plot line that well and it's also a bit sad at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2019
Pablo & Birdy (audio-visual version), by Allison McGhee, is the length of a chapter book for 3rd graders. A baby, named Pablo by his adoptive father, washes onto the shores of Isla with a purple parrot. Every year on his birthday, the day on which he arrived, the whole community makes up fantastical stories as to where and who Pablo came from. Usually, Pablo would enjoy the stories his neighbors and friends would make up, but now he wants to understand beyond the imaginative stories.
The magical realism of this story would be engaging for 3rd graders and I think the book is a good way to start having younger children think about, What is identity? How do we identify with ourselves? What can we learn about ourselves and where we are from? When thinking about specific and generic formats of cultural specificity, this book is a more generic way to approach identity, but is well-suited for younger readers who needs to grasp the concepts on the conversation that lends itself to diveristy and identity.
The magical realism of this story would be engaging for 3rd graders and I think the book is a good way to start having younger children think about, What is identity? How do we identify with ourselves? What can we learn about ourselves and where we are from? When thinking about specific and generic formats of cultural specificity, this book is a more generic way to approach identity, but is well-suited for younger readers who needs to grasp the concepts on the conversation that lends itself to diveristy and identity.
November 21, 2017
I loved Pablo and Birdy's relationship. Review coming soon.
October 16, 2017
We are all susceptible to the winds of change.
June 12, 2017
Set on a fictional island in a warm climate, this atmospheric and charming novel is about the meaning of family. Pablo and his bird, Birdy, washed up on the shores of Isla when he was just a baby. As he approaches his tenth birthday, Pablo feels that his friends don't appreciate how hard it is to have no knowledge of his origins. Even though he is surrounded by loving adults, Pablo yearns for connection to his past. The only one who knows is Birdy, a parrot, and Birdy is unable to tell him. Tension builds as news of the strange winds that blew when Pablo came to Isla are forecast to come again, and with it, news of the mysterious Seafaring Parrots. Eccentric characters, including a committee of birds, who seem like a Greek chorus, and a starving dog that seems to have a connection with Birdy, make this gentle character-centered story a lovely read. The fact of Pablo arriving as a refugee from unknown shores is an echo of news headlines about migration. Whimsical black and white pencil drawings affectionately flesh out the cast of characters.
Want to read
September 26, 2017Pablo and Birdy was such a heartwarming read! I loved how the Island of Isla served as a sanctuary for those fleeing from danger, (humans or animals alike). The quiet narrative has some poignant moments, (I loved the pastry-stealing dog!) There is also moments of delightful humor, (the Committee made up of parrots was adorable). Best of all, this story is a depiction of a quest: the quest of a young boy trying to discover where he truly belongs and of the parrot who never leaves his side. Could Birdy be a legendary Seafarer, one of the birds with the extraordinary ability to remember every sound ever heard? Could the Winds of Change portend the loss or gain of fortune? As a sinister plan unfolds and the relentless quest to find a Seafarer and place it in captivity draws nearer to the island, Pablo must decide how to help his greatest companion and nurturer.
The small-town atmosphere, colorful characters and elements of sacrifice and familial love is so very moving. It's been a while since I've read such a cozy uplifter of a story. It was truly inspirational and amazing! Isla is a place I would definitely love to visit. I would love to see this book win a Newbery or at least a Newbery Honor. Pablo and Birdy is one of my favorite reads this year. God bless you all.
The small-town atmosphere, colorful characters and elements of sacrifice and familial love is so very moving. It's been a while since I've read such a cozy uplifter of a story. It was truly inspirational and amazing! Isla is a place I would definitely love to visit. I would love to see this book win a Newbery or at least a Newbery Honor. Pablo and Birdy is one of my favorite reads this year. God bless you all.
September 29, 2017
Full of heart. Made me feel all the things. Slow to get started but finished strong.
FYI, for those who can't stand to read anything with the slightest hint of animal cruelty, there are a few pages of a dog remembering his not-so-nice owner. But that's not the focus of the story.
Lovely. Pablo and Birdy will stay with me for awhile, I think.
FYI, for those who can't stand to read anything with the slightest hint of animal cruelty, there are a few pages of a dog remembering his not-so-nice owner. But that's not the focus of the story.
Lovely. Pablo and Birdy will stay with me for awhile, I think.
September 9, 2017
Nothing has touched my heart as deeply in a long time as Pablo & Birdy. Nearly perfect in its craft, characters, and story, it resonates with me on so many levels. Ten years ago, Pablo washed up on the shores of Isla as a baby, in a child's inflatable pool, crisscrossed with twine, and a necklace of "Dios me bendiga." Accompanied by a parrot who can neither speak nor fly, Birdy will not leave Pablo's side. Emmanuel took him in and raised Pablo as family in the little tourist town, along with Pierre the baker and Lula, the henna tattoo artist. But when the winds of change return after 10 years, so do the legends of a Seafaring Parrot who can reproduce all the sounds ever heard, and the promises of fortune lost and fortune gained. Pablo learns of this mother's love and discovers he is not the only one who has left the deprivations of his former home, hungry for a better life. This is the larger story of immigrants coming to America, finding one's true identity, and of the enduring power of love. It has my strong recommendation as a must-read, and my vote for any and all awards, including the elusive Newbery.
July 5, 2025
Pablo and Birdy wasn't what I expected--it was better. The themes of change and growing up reminded me of one of my favorite books, Orphan Island, but they're tackled slightly differently. Pablo and Birdy is a little more humorous and realistic, and a little less metaphorical--it would be a great read for kids who don't quite have the mature perspective required to fully enjoy Orphan Island.
Anyway, in Pablo and Birdy, the hilarious semi-talking parrots and colorful island setting are charming--they remind me of childhood visits to my island-dwelling, parrot-owning relatives, but they would certainly still be accessible even to someone who's never been to such a place. It's hard to say more about the book without spoiling it, but I will say that the characters are great and the writing is beautiful. Definitely recommend!
EDIT 11/23/18: Re-read it, this time to my family, and they all loved it. I do want to add a content warning for and could definitely be upsetting for some kids. So it's not all light and happy, but this is still a great book that I highly recommend.
Anyway, in Pablo and Birdy, the hilarious semi-talking parrots and colorful island setting are charming--they remind me of childhood visits to my island-dwelling, parrot-owning relatives, but they would certainly still be accessible even to someone who's never been to such a place. It's hard to say more about the book without spoiling it, but I will say that the characters are great and the writing is beautiful. Definitely recommend!
EDIT 11/23/18: Re-read it, this time to my family, and they all loved it. I do want to add a content warning for and could definitely be upsetting for some kids. So it's not all light and happy, but this is still a great book that I highly recommend.
June 19, 2019
3.5 This was a very sweet story and the language was beautiful and easy to read aloud but I found it took a long time for the plot to start moving and even when it did there was a lot of time spent going back to the initial story of Pablo’s arrival.
Want to read
October 19, 2016Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
June 26, 2022
I love Pablo and Birdy and all the lively wonderfully imagined characters of Isla. I want everyone I know of all ages to read this book. Bravo. dear Alison.
September 5, 2017
10 years ago, Pablo washed up on the shores of Isla, in a small pool, with a lavender feathered parrot named Birdy. Now searching for answers, Pablo is determined to discover who he is and where he’s from. But as the winds begin to change, as they did ten years ago, Pablo starts to feel that things are shifting; when Birdie begins to mutter and try to fly. With the old fisherman saying echoing in his mind, “ The winds of change mean fortune lost or fortune gained,” Pablo sets off to discover the truth.
Maybe the myth of the seafaring parrots is actually true, or maybe it’s time for the winds to blow in the truth, but no matter what this is the year Pablo is going to get his answers.
In this charming and captivating story, Pablo and Birdy explores the amazing relationship of a boy and his bird struggling to find their place in the world. Allison McGhee highlights a bond like none other, while also preparing for the winds of change. Unique and beautiful, this story pulls you in from the very first line, while also being easy to follow along for younger readers. Black and white illustrations only add to the richness of the story, while keeping younger readers submerged in the storyline.
You can find the rest of my reviews and giveaways in my weekly newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice (less)
Maybe the myth of the seafaring parrots is actually true, or maybe it’s time for the winds to blow in the truth, but no matter what this is the year Pablo is going to get his answers.
In this charming and captivating story, Pablo and Birdy explores the amazing relationship of a boy and his bird struggling to find their place in the world. Allison McGhee highlights a bond like none other, while also preparing for the winds of change. Unique and beautiful, this story pulls you in from the very first line, while also being easy to follow along for younger readers. Black and white illustrations only add to the richness of the story, while keeping younger readers submerged in the storyline.
You can find the rest of my reviews and giveaways in my weekly newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice (less)
September 17, 2017
One stormy night nearly ten years ago, a baby in a floating swimming pool with a parrot standing guard washed up on the shores of Isla. They were found by Emmanuel, who took them in and raised Pablo as his own. But Pablo has started to wonder where he came from and how he got out in the ocean strapped into the swimming pool.
Pablo’s family and history is not the only mystery in the tourist town of Isla. Stories of a mythical bird named a Seafarer parrot swirl around Isla, although no one knows what a Seafarer looks like. And a stray dog who just wants something to eat has started wreaking havoc in the town.
Much as Pablo wishes his birthday will be different this year and he will have some answers to his questions, he is afraid everything will be the same. Then the “winds of change” shift, bringing with them many surprises.
The close bond between Pablo and Birdy is unique among all of the characters in the book. As the book heads toward its conclusion, their relationship changes and matures. The beauty in the connection between boy and bird is superb.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Pablo’s family and history is not the only mystery in the tourist town of Isla. Stories of a mythical bird named a Seafarer parrot swirl around Isla, although no one knows what a Seafarer looks like. And a stray dog who just wants something to eat has started wreaking havoc in the town.
Much as Pablo wishes his birthday will be different this year and he will have some answers to his questions, he is afraid everything will be the same. Then the “winds of change” shift, bringing with them many surprises.
The close bond between Pablo and Birdy is unique among all of the characters in the book. As the book heads toward its conclusion, their relationship changes and matures. The beauty in the connection between boy and bird is superb.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
January 13, 2018
"Sounds exist in vibrations...Humans, with their unexceptional ears, could hear a sound at only the moment it was made, and thereafter only in memory. But not the remarkable ears of a Seafaring Parrot. For them, all sound lived on for all eternity. ....at any given moment, a Seafarer could hear and reproduce all the sounds ever made."
So goes the legend of the Seafaring Parrot, which Pablo has grown up hearing, especially since his island thrives on tourism based on the legend. Pablo and Birdy, his ever present side-kick, live with Emmanuel. Nearly Ten years ago, Pablo washed ashore on the island in a baby pool with Birdy closely guarding him. Sure, his island family and friends are kind to him, but Pablo longs to know the mystery of where he came from and exactly what type of bird Birdy is. One night, Pablo hears a mysterious voice, and this starts a chain of events that hopefully will shed some light on his mystery. Join Pablo and Birdy as they stroll through the streets of Isla, dodge a crazy crowd of chatty birds known as "the Committee" and uncover mysteries.
So goes the legend of the Seafaring Parrot, which Pablo has grown up hearing, especially since his island thrives on tourism based on the legend. Pablo and Birdy, his ever present side-kick, live with Emmanuel. Nearly Ten years ago, Pablo washed ashore on the island in a baby pool with Birdy closely guarding him. Sure, his island family and friends are kind to him, but Pablo longs to know the mystery of where he came from and exactly what type of bird Birdy is. One night, Pablo hears a mysterious voice, and this starts a chain of events that hopefully will shed some light on his mystery. Join Pablo and Birdy as they stroll through the streets of Isla, dodge a crazy crowd of chatty birds known as "the Committee" and uncover mysteries.
April 21, 2018
Sometimes the search for identity depends upon a willingness to change.
Pablo already feels change coming as he approaches his tenth not-birthday--the tenth anniversary of his washing to shore as a baby in an improvised raft, watched over by an unusual parrot. His adopted father and the community of adults that stand in as his family aren't changing, he is. He hasn't told anyone yet except Birdy, who never leaves his side, but Pablo is no longer satisfied with the way things have always been. He wants to know more about who he is and where he comes from. That dissatisfaction will lead him in directions he never expected.
McGhee's invented island community and story feature birds prominently. They are pivotal characters, sources of humor, and part of the book's slight magical realism. So too with the faintly cartoonish human characters. This is a more introspective tale than many, quietly--though satisfyingly--enchanting and fun.
Pablo already feels change coming as he approaches his tenth not-birthday--the tenth anniversary of his washing to shore as a baby in an improvised raft, watched over by an unusual parrot. His adopted father and the community of adults that stand in as his family aren't changing, he is. He hasn't told anyone yet except Birdy, who never leaves his side, but Pablo is no longer satisfied with the way things have always been. He wants to know more about who he is and where he comes from. That dissatisfaction will lead him in directions he never expected.
McGhee's invented island community and story feature birds prominently. They are pivotal characters, sources of humor, and part of the book's slight magical realism. So too with the faintly cartoonish human characters. This is a more introspective tale than many, quietly--though satisfyingly--enchanting and fun.
July 11, 2018
Just like Firefly Hollow, my whole family enjoyed listening to this tender tale on a road trip, and this loving story is read beautifully by the author. The bond shared by Pablo and his devoted Birdie was so touching it balanced the heartbreaking cruelty the dog in the story escaped. The devotion of the people of Isla to the child who mysteriously arrived as an infant with a companion bird highlights the best elements of human nature. I loved the legend of the Seafaring parrot and how the people of Isla managed the tourist's interest in the unconfirmed tale and how Pablo painted shells with the birds of Isla for the tourists to purchase. Listening to McGhee read this thoughtful tale transported us to a simple and enchanting place. Like Pablo, I longed to hear his story right until the end.
May 13, 2018
The boy Pablo and the uniquely colored parrot Birdy wash up on shore mysteriously when Pablo was a baby, and he and his adoptive family have never been able to find out anything about his past. When Pablo turns 10 a little dog appears in Pablo's town, also with a past no one knows and in need of a new family. McGee weaves these and other story strands together to make a funny, sweet, almost mesmerizing tale of magical realism. Ana Juan's cover and illustrations within are such a perfect match for the story - I felt as if they were telling me the story along with the words. Juan's work reminded me of Brett Helquist's in the Series of Unfortunate Events books, both in the style and in how perfectly matched it was.
September 14, 2018
For this audio version of the story of lost and found lives, Alison McGhee reads her own beautiful words. The human and animal characters are completely alive, as is their US coastal town of Isla.
Now 9-year-old Pablo was adopted by the town when he, accompanied only by a mysterious lavender parrot, arrived on the beach as a baby nested carefully in an inflatable baby pool. The stories of loss and family (all of the main characters are immigrants including a dog who escapes his abusive owner just as the Haitian, Irish, and Cuban people escaped intolerable situations) are lovely and heartbreaking. Meanwhile the talking birds of the village, including a parrot-wannabe rooster, provide comic relief.
Now 9-year-old Pablo was adopted by the town when he, accompanied only by a mysterious lavender parrot, arrived on the beach as a baby nested carefully in an inflatable baby pool. The stories of loss and family (all of the main characters are immigrants including a dog who escapes his abusive owner just as the Haitian, Irish, and Cuban people escaped intolerable situations) are lovely and heartbreaking. Meanwhile the talking birds of the village, including a parrot-wannabe rooster, provide comic relief.
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August 26, 2021From 1-5 star rating, 1 being the worst and 5 the best I will score it a 4 because it's a fun book which you enjoy reading and pages flew very fast. My biggest questions in the book were why Birdy and Pablo ended up in the ocean, why Birdy didn't talk. What interests me more about the book is that it is very cool to learn the story of a normal kid with a bird who ended up in the ocean. I think this book impacted my hero's journey because it leaves a message of never giving up on trying to get something. This book changed me as a reader because it's very cool to read faster with practice. And I will recommend this to every kind of person. And it was fun to share my experience reading this.
February 12, 2023
PABLO AND BIRDY by Alison McGhee is one of the sweetest books I've ever read. It's for young readers but adults will enjoy it as well. It tells the story of Pablo, who washed up on the shores of Isla as an infant, secured in a wading pool with an unusual-looking parrot standing guard over him. Pablo grows up with an adopted father in a warm and colorful village, always wondering about his past and always accompanied by his parrot, Birdy, who neither talks nor flies. There's a local legend about a Seafarer Parrot, who remembers all sounds and voices ever raised and spends its days above the sea, forever flying. The author weaves together a beautiful tale of immigration, chosen families, life on an imagined Caribbean isle, and a bit of magical realism in this memorable and poignant book.
December 12, 2018
This is a great choice for a multicultural read. Pablo and Birdy washed ashore on the island of Isla, but no one knows from where. All of Pablo’s community is from another place , which they had to leave. For example, the person he considers his dad (Emmanuel) fled from Cuba. Could help kids understand refugees better.
Pablo suspects Birdy knows where they came from, but she just may be a legendary Seafaring parrot. ....and if she is, she may need to escape Isla or risk being caged.
I love “magical realism,” as it is portrayed in this book. Very creative read, and of course,I could relate to Pablo’s love of his bird and other animals. Illustrations are beautiful.
Pablo suspects Birdy knows where they came from, but she just may be a legendary Seafaring parrot. ....and if she is, she may need to escape Isla or risk being caged.
I love “magical realism,” as it is portrayed in this book. Very creative read, and of course,I could relate to Pablo’s love of his bird and other animals. Illustrations are beautiful.
June 29, 2020
This was a sweet book. It definitely wasn't as good as some of the other juvenile books I've read (Wish by Barbara O'Connor, Wonder by RJ Palacio, Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar, Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, Wishtree by Katherine Applegate are a few examples that jump to mind) but this book did make me want a bird!
It was very predictable and the other characters could have used a little more depth but I loved how she characterized Birdie. My own kids will enjoy this book despite all that (it's our next read aloud). I do wish it had pulled a little more from the other characters' cultures (Haitian and Cuban especially).
It was very predictable and the other characters could have used a little more depth but I loved how she characterized Birdie. My own kids will enjoy this book despite all that (it's our next read aloud). I do wish it had pulled a little more from the other characters' cultures (Haitian and Cuban especially).
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