Bird Pals

The first five books in the “Pet Pals” series dealt with four-legged pets, namely dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters. In these five additions to the series, some of the pets are quadrupeds, but others fly, swim and slither.

Like the earlier books, the contents of these five books in the “Pet Pals” series are intended to serve as pre-purchase/pre-adoption advice to those considering adding a pet to their homes.

The books’ highly illustrated contents consist of 12 two-page chapters, a 10 question quiz, a “Learning More” page which directs readers to related books and websites, and a closing page that is shared between an index and a glossary of words highlighted in the text. The three pages that are given over to the quiz and its answers could have been much more profitably utilized.

The opening chapter, “Your [name of animal] From Head [in this case “From Beak] To Tail”, provides a large full-colour photo of the book’s focal pet. The important body parts of the pet are labeled and described.

The following chapter provides a general overview of the various breeds or types of each book’s pet and describes their “personalities”. In the case of Bird Pals, Jacobs calls this section “Best Birds for Beginners”, and she briefly describes eight of the birds that are most commonly selected as pets: canaries, doves, finches, budgerigars, cockatiels, conures, parrotlets and lovebirds. Though Jacobs provides a heading, “Cockatoos and Large Parrots”, she advises: “You may be tempted to get a cockatoo or a large parrot, such as a macaw, but it is not recommended. These birds can live for 60-90 years and need a lot of care and space.”

The third chapter in each book in the “Pet Pals” series is probably the most important for those who are strongly considering acquiring a pet. “Find Your Perfect Pet” provides information that needs to be taken into account when selecting a specific pet type. In Bird Pals, Jacobs says: “When choosing your bird buddy, the first thing to decide is whether you want a beautiful songbird, a calm and gentle companion, or an active and playful pet. Do you have a lot of spare time to spend with your bird, and space for a large cage?” How long a pet could live is something else that needs to be taken into account, and, in Bird Pals, Jacobs provides a chart that indicates the average life span of the book’s featured birds. Children might be surprised to learn that the shortest natural life span noted is 15 years for canaries and finches while conures can live up to 35 years.

Subsequent chapters provide practical advice on the housing, feeding, and daily care of the series’ animals as well as their safety and health issues. Tips on the typical behaviour of the animals in the series will assist their owners in better responding to the animals’ needs.

“Communication” is another useful chapter wherein pet owners are given guidance on how to “read” their pets’ sounds or movements. For example, a cockatiel’s crest can communicate its emotional state:

If a cockatiel’s crest, or the group of feathers on the top of its head, is held back with just the tip tiled up, it means the bird is happy and relaxed. If the crest is lifted, this means the bird is excited, but if the crest is held very high, it could mean your bird is scared. A flattened crest means the cockatiel is unhappy or, if it is crouching and hissing, it is feeling aggressive and should be left alone.

Additional chapters offer tips on how to train each specific pet as well as suggestions on “Fun and Games” appropriate for each type of pet.

The series’ text is broken up into bite-sized boxes complemented by numerous full-colour, engaging photographs. Information-wise, overall, the books in the “Pet Pals” series are excellent. Filled with practical advice and providing important knowledge, one or more of the books should be required reading by any child (and her/his parents) who are considering adding a pet to their family.