Call Me Alastair

This poignant and humorous debut novel introduces Alastair, an African grey parrot with a poetic soul and a severe case of anxiety, manifested by feather plucking. Separated from his beloved sister, Aggie, Alastair is adopted by Mrs. Albertina Plopky, a spirited elderly widow, while Aggie goes to 12-year-old Fritz. Alastair's initial focus is on escape and reunion, but his journey becomes one of self-discovery, exploring themes of freedom, belonging, grief, and the unexpected bonds of a found family. It's a "heart-shattering" yet ultimately hopeful story about overcoming fear and learning to live fully.

A funny, heart-shattering novelabout 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.