Parrot Palace

by Susanne Gervay with Pooja Mathur

Illustrated by Sarah Tabassum

Reviewed by Meg Rowe

With a host of books and awards to her name Susanne Gervay is a master storyteller whose work shines in its ability to engage with important social and cultural topics in a way that empowers her readers. Written in consultation with Pooja Mathur, Gervay’s delightful new middle grade fiction, Parrot Palace, highlights her special relationship with India, Australia and multi-culturalism, and hits just the right blend of characters and plot.  Parrot Palace explores themes surrounding cultural inclusion, diversity, problem solving, teamwork, family and friendship in a fun, sensitive, warm-hearted way that young readers from 8 to 11 years old will enjoy.

When Hari moves into the small three-story apartment block named ‘Parrot Palace’ he meets Mikey and Lily-Rosa and the trio, all from different cultural backgrounds, become fast friends. United by their love of playing backyard soccer the groups friendship grows as they share each other’s hopes, dreams, and challenges, as well as banding together against their mean-spirited neighbour Mr Crabtree. Tensions come to a head when Mr Crabtree refuses to return the groups soccer ball when it lands in his yard. To make matters worse, Hari has upset his beloved Mam and Nani. Will the group be able to help Mr Crabtree see the error of his ways? Can Hari fix the mess he has created at home? It will take a bit of creative problem solving, teamwork and kindness but the three friends find a way.

Beautifully illustrated by Sarah Tabassum, Parrot Palace’s evocative descriptions of Indian, Hungarian and Chinese food, customs and religious practices combined with the inclusion of an Indian/Hungarian/Chinese glossary of terms, thoughtfully supports children to connect with, understand and appreciate cultural diversity. Titles that will pair well with Parrot Palace’s themes include Sandhya Parappukkaran’s The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name and Words That Taste Like Home, and Tania McCartney’s, I Heart the World.

Look out for Gervay’s picture book title, Guess How I was Born? illustrated by Carolyn Daly, also released in 2025.

Teacher Notes

Little Big Sky 2025

Susan Gervay

Sarah Tabassum