The Brave Little Parrot

By Rafe Martin

How can you save a burning forest with just sprinkles of water? This timeless Buddhist tale may just have the answer!

In this ancient tale of one of the Buddha's past lives, the Buddha is born as a little gray parrot who takes it upon herself to save her beloved forest home from a raging fire. Even though she can only sprinkle drops of water onto the blaze, her perseverance, courage, and compassion change everything, eventually saving the forest in an unexpected way.

Zen teacher and acclaimed storyteller Rafe Martin and award-winning illustrator Demi render this centuries-old classic into a beautiful and timeless tale that will inspire all of us to find our own bravery and to act selflessly for the benefit of all.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1614298459
• ISBN13: 9781614298458
• Release Date: June 2023
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.2" x 11.5"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Modeling Selflessness, Hope, and Hard Work

What a great book for children! One brave little parrot chooses to do something to save its forest and all the residents there endangered by a spreading wildfire, ignoring everyone else who says, "This is too big a problem for you to solve." One god, seeing the heart, courage, and compassion of that little parrot, is inspired to help save the forest. The lesson here is beautifully illustrated and heart-rending. Give your all to help others and make the world better, even when it seems hopeless, and amazing things might happen. That brave little parrot, by flying in a different direction and doing what was right, inspired someone else to help who otherwise might not have. For pagan parents, this is a great example of polytheism and ethics in a format suitable for young children.

One of our favorites!

Wonderful story about personal bravery and perseverance. This book is beautifully illustrated. It includes many forest animals and also some semblance of Hindu gods. Probably best for 4-6 year olds.

A profound message for children and adults

I can't speak highly enough of this book. Although endearing to children, its message is profound for all ages: If something is important to you, act, no matter what the odds of success. You never know what the outcome might be, or who might be inspired by your action. I remember "The Brave Little Parrot" when I think I can't be bothered to put a sign in my yard, write a senator, or speak out on a highly controversial issue. It's a beautiful story, and is beautifully illustrated.