Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot

Kakapo Rescue is about what? What's a kakapo? The kakapo is a large, land-bound parrot on the verge of extinction. The people of New Zealand have made it a priority to save them. The birds have been relocated to a remote island where their breeding, eating and nesting is closely monitored. Author Sy Montgomery, with photographer Nic Bishop, spent three weeks on the island, observing and working with the scientists and volunteers who are intent on ensuring that the kakapo does not die out completely. This compelling exploration of their rescue efforts will appeal to ages 9-14 and will make good background reading for studies on endangered species.

The Robert F. Sibert Medal is given for excellence in informational books for children. The 2011 Sibert Medal winner is Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot. Part of the Scientists in the Field series, this offering brings another excellent exploration of the paths that scientists take in today’s world.

In this instance, author Sy Montgomery tells of the efforts of scientists, volunteers and the New Zealand government, to save a large, nearly extinct parrot. Historical information is included on how the birds and their native habitat changed when people began populating New Zealand and the islands nearby. Montgomery includes human interest stories of the volunteers who give their time to monitor the birds. She describes the painstaking steps that the scientists have taken to ensure the birds are kept safe from possible infection.

Through her writing, Montgomery gets the reader involved and interested in the heartbreak and elation that comes with each breeding season. With fewer than 100 birds in existence, this species might not survive without the help of the dedicated workers who care deeply about them. Nic Bishop’s photography beautifully captures the remote island the birds live on and the difficult task the scientists and volunteers face. This compelling story, told in clear and accessible text, will interest students who care about the environment, as well as those interested in animals and in the work of scientists.

Jean Hatfield has experience as a children’s librarian, a school librarian, and a head librarian. She has served on the selection committee for major children’s book awards and is presently responsible for the selection of public library materials for youth – children and young adults – for the public library system in the largest city in Kansas, Wichita.