Parrots & Pirates

Gr 3–5—Philippa, 11, lives onboard the SS Excalibur with her parents, both social directors for the cruise line. Though there aren't many other children, she has a best friend and sleuthing companion in Philip, the captain's son. Together, they are always on the lookout for a mystery to solve. After the ship sets sail for Parrot Island, they have a real conundrum on their hands—Philip's beloved pet parrot is missing, and both children are convinced that he was bird-napped. Philippa speculates that the culprit is Herby, a new employee. Philip has other suspicions, though, and between their differing opinions and his dismay at losing his pet, a rift forms between the two friends. Will they be able to get their act together in time to save Don Quixote? This story is as flat as a day-old soda. The dialogue is often stilted, and the ending is wholly predictable, with the culprit being the guy whose name loosely translates to "parrot catcher." Even fledgling mystery enthusiasts will be disappointed by the unimaginative conclusion. Gerstein's winsome double-page pen-and-ink illustrations add a little sparkle to the story, but not enough to salvage it.—Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, NY