That Quail, Robert

Every once in a while I yearn for a story that touches the heart and the mind. This is one of those stories. I learned a lot about quail and their habits; I enoyed reading the book. It's a story I won't forget. A wonderful story for young people and old and the in between. The way Stanger describes Robert's little habits and quirks are enchanting. I fell in love with the little bird and can easily understand why he created such a stir during his life time.

That's what "That Quail, Robert" amply demonstrates. Although ornithologists apparently eschew the assignment of human thought and emotion to animals and birds, this book convincingly shows that quails are capable of love and having hurt feelings, and are in need of companionship, just like humans. Quails are also intelligent enough to play games and critique the slightest change in home decor! Of course Robert the Quail was very lucky to have "parents" as loving and doting as the Kienzles and benefited from the fact that they were a retired couple who enjoyed rearing a new "child" after their other children had long since...flown the coop.

My interest was sparked to read That Quail, Robert, because an adult friend of mine constantly is saying quotes from the book. I was surprised to find quite a lovely story about a mature couple and the tiny quail they raised. Robert befriended every human it met and as a reader, I was enchanted with his little personality. Prepare your heart, as the ending may bring tears. I loaned this book out and am replacing it, as the borrower asked to keep it. I will encourage my teacher-friends to read this to their 3rd-6th grade classes.

The writing style of Margaret Stanger is very descriptive and at times needed explanation when my 10 year old daughter and I read it aloud to one another, but it is so full of love and admiration that the message is clear: this bird was very very special and much loved. She (for Robert was a she not a he) was a dignified, sweet and loving 'person', and we really enjoyed the many well-told stories within. I read it when I was a young child, and it is one of my favorite books, along with Charlotte's Web. Just knowing that this is a true story makes this book even more remarkable. Animals are more special than the average human being realizes, and I wish more 'ordinary' people would read it to open their eyes to how wonderful the animals that share our world really are. We tend to get to bogged down in our jobs and material things which really do nothing to enhance our lives. All we really need is a quail, perhaps, to enlighten our lives. Simplicity is always best. Fabulous, Fabulous book. I would like to know if there are any postcards or pictures available on Robert for sale, and if the people in the book are still alive...

to say that this boook is heartwarming is an understatement. This is a true story of a quail who was left behind on the road and adopted by a caring family. There are some funny stories within the book such as the time when the author, a very dignified woman from New England, had a dinner party. Robert, the quail, chose that moment to fly into the broccoli with cream sauce and take a bath there spraying some of the guests and stamping little bird feet in a bowl of mint jelly. Quail in the wild, take dust baths. There are other stories within the book that show the bond between the quail and his adopted family. He was adopted legally and banded. This book is a sweet and wonderful read. Read and enjoy:)