This is a retelling of a Persian folktale, about a merchant likes to keep her pretty birds all locked up in cages. The parrot is unhappy, and misses his companions.

So, when the merchant gets ready to go forth again, she asks the parrot what he would like from his travels, and he says he would like to hear word from his friends.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-4895" src="https://g2comm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Screen-Shot-2019-01-15-at-9.36.22-AM-1024x510.png" alt="The parrot and the merchant" />

In the end, the parrot finds a way to not be cadged, as that is what he has been this whole time.

And the merchant learns that having the parrot free is not that bad.

A cute tale about freedom and imprisonment.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

Clever, clever tale! All ages will enjoy this story! I love when people rewrite Rumi's works to fit their own cultures. Rumi was truly a gifted writer with universal appeal. The illustrations were wonderful. I think this is a book for both my private collection and a suggestion for my library!

The Parrot and the Merchant is an old legend tells with stunning illustrations and a focus on how we show our love to others. When a merchant catches and keeps things she loves, she doesn't realize how much pain she is causing them. On one journey she asks her most beloved parrot what he would like and he asks for advice from his friends he left behind. Through an odd exchange the Merchant's parrot and up free and she realizes it is the right thing to do because she loves him.

Vafaeian's illustrations and re-telling of Rumi's poem is quite entertaining and fun. I love reading old stories, retold for modern readers. The Parrot and the Merchant has a theme that many books do: if you truly love something, you set it free. I love the story, but do not really care for the illustrations. They are nice, but the one-eyed merchant illustrations are just odd.

Thank you NetGalley and Tiny Owl Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy.

The Parrot and the Merchant is a beautifully illustrated picture book written by Marjan Vafaeian. In this story Mah Jahan, a rich merchant, travels far from her area to trade her goods. She is also known for the numerous colorful birds that she keeps. Mah Jahan leaves for a very important trip and makes sure to ask her servants and favorite bird what she could bring them from her travels. Her bird gives her a message to share with his fellow birds. This is a beautiful story both in word and in picture. It shows Mah Jahan learning a valuable lesson on how to treat those that you love.

The original story is written by a renowned poet Rumi. The story was adapted and illustrated by Marjan Vafaian. The casting of a female lead as a merchant gave a new twist to the story and I could not guess the ending until the middle of the story. The artwork by the author is unique. I loved the colorful dresses of the merchant. I feel that this book would be more beautiful in physical form rather than reading it digitally.