The Gossipy Parrot

Godfrey is a gossipy parrot who loves stirring up trouble by passing on rude remarks. Lion decides to teach Godfrey a lesson by telling him that a ‘trouble maker’ has insulted various creatures. True to form, Godfrey spreads the news to the supposedly insulted animals. The outcome of the story, with everyone being cross with Godfrey for meanly spreading gossip, is very predictable but it illustrates a useful lesson for young children: spreading tittle-tattle is mean and upsetting.

Terry’s vibrant jungle-coloured crayon illustrations (illustrator of The Selfish Crocodile) are excellent and dominate the story. The piercing eyes of the various creatures simply bore into the misguided parrot. The use of text is effectively economical.