Book review
Ten hilarious stories about friendships, feuds and family intrigues among the birds of Goa

Life may seem idyllic for the birds-but all is not always well in their lush paradise. For a start, some new hotels have strange and awful anti-bird policies. Visitors create havoc with their urban aggression and within the bird community itself there are problems, small and large .

When Mad Mozart sings his heart out to win his girl and defend his territory, his success has unexpected consequences. Shabby the hornbill tries to ensure vault-like security for his new wife, with disastrous results. And when Banshee, the beautiful barn owl, smooches his beloved Bimbo right in front of the Minister for Cultural Propriety, all hell breaks loose and only the fat rats dance! Observing all this drama and adding spice and acid to it are the Screechers and Shriekers, a gang of jungle babblers led by the sagacious Frowzle Ma’am.

Witty, rollicking and keenly observed, Ranjit Lal’s collection of interlinked stories captures the triumphs and traumas of the world of birds, while Rahul Dutta’s vibrant illustrations vividly capture the humour and magic of the stories.

• Published by Penguin Books India
• Published: July 2005
• Imprint: Puffin
• ISBN: 0143335006
• Edition: Paperback
• Extent: 168pp
• Classification: Children