Call Me Alastair — Cory Leonardo

A funny, heart-shattering novel about a fierce parrot, a big-hearted boy and a spirited elderly widow, all learning to live fully-fledged lives. Born in the back of a pet store, Alastair the African grey parrot dreams of escape, to fly off with his beloved sister, Aggie. But when Aggie is purchased by 12-year-old Fritz, and Alastair is adopted by Mrs Albertina Plopky, Alastair's hopeful vision for the future crash-lands. In-between anxiously plucking his feathers, chewing a few books, and finding his own poetic voice, Alastair plots his way to Aggie and their flight to freedom. This debut novel is a heart-felt, bird's-eye view of love and what it means to break free from the cages we build for ourselves - and the courage it may take to finally let go.