I was excited to get a chance to review
Wookiwoo, I Love Wookiwoo, written by Darren Perman and
illustrated by Ruby Perman, is inspired by a true story. The parrot
highlighted in the book, along with it’s family can be found flying
treetop to treetop in Malibu, Ca.
This beautifully illustrated story is about a parrot who enjoys many of
life’s simple things; flying, apples, and talking. He also loves a
little boy names Jack, and tells him often. Years into their friendship
Jack lets Wookiwoo go, as he just doesn’t have the time for him that he
deserves. Albeit sad, Wookiwoo reunites with a female parrot from his
past, Lulu, and they start a large family together. Their love is seen
and spread to all those around them.
I would like to point out
that it unfortunately sparked a conversation about responsible pet
ownership that is misrepresented in the book. The character Jack,
releases his domesticated
pet parrot into the wild because he was now in high
school
and didn’t have time for it. This is a bird that was used to living in a
home, and a pet shop before that. I feel that this is NOT a bird that
should have been left to fend for himself.
“If
you love something set it free... This heartwarming story is about
friendship, letting go, and the connection of those three little words
"I Love You.”
More than just the story itself,
what I loved about this book is that it arrived with an inscription to Kalina and Ethan with autographs from both author and illustrator. As it
turns out, It’s not because I’m special, they actually do this touch
with all book purchases! As if
all of that wasn’t enough reason to hurry over to their
website and grab yourself a copy, 10% of every copy sold is donated to various
schools and Children’s Cancer Research.
The book can be purchased on their
website,
www.wookiwoo.com or
Amazon for $9.99, and ebook versions can be bought for just .99 on
Amazon or
Barnes and Nobles Their
site has a full list of stores and websites you can find the book at.
Also, as a bonus, you can find print-outs for little ones to color,
pictures of the real life Wookiwoo and family, parrot facts, and even
the first 13 pages of the 40 page book as a sample.