Susanne Gervay (text) with Poojar Mathur and Sarah Tabassum (illustrator), Parrot Palace, Little Big Sky Books, March 2025, 176 pp., RRP $12.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781923300088
When Hari moves into Parrot Palace, a three-story apartment block, he meets his neighbours Lily-Rosa and Mikey. They’re all eleven years old and immediately form a bond. It’s the summer school holidays and they play ball games, make things in their club headquarters and generally hang out.
Their different heritages have no effect on their friendship. In fact, they love being introduced to the various foods and traditions: Hari’s grandmother makes Jalebi (Indian crunchy swirling sweets,) and Lily-Rosa’s Opa (father) cooks the best Hungarian and second-best Chinese food.
They are united in their dislike for Mr. Crabtree, who steals their balls when they go into his backyard and shouts abuse over the fence.
The book is divided into easy to navigate chapters, with glossaries of Hindi, Chinese and Hungarian terms used in the text. Sarah Tabassum’s drawings help illustrate unusual aspects of the story, for example the elephant god Ganash.
Parrot Palace celebrates inclusivity and the multicultural spirit of Australia. The story is charming and will delight young readers. Wouldn’t we all love to live in Parrot Palace?
Suitable for ages 7-11. A study guide can be found on the author’s website.
Reviewed by Gaby Meares
