Advanced
Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
Title details for Conversations with Cosmo by Betty Jean Craige - Available

Conversations with Cosmo

At Home with an African Grey Parrot

by Betty Jean Craige
Roxanne Walker Cordonier
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
1 of 1 copy available

In CONVERSATIONS WITH COSMO, Dr. Betty Jean Craige tells how her female African Grey Parrot learned to talk and developed a terrific sense of humor. In this very entertaining audiobook, Cosmo herself contributes to the narration of her astonishing story.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    August 19, 2010

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781934814222
      • File size: 77907 KB
      • Duration: 02:42:18

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      It's likely that Red Planet Audiobooks has published the only audiobook narrated, in part, by a talking bird. The first voice we hear is that of the author's pet, Cosmo, talking, followed by that of narrator Roxanne Walker. Not a scientist, Craige acquired an African Grey parrot after hearing the audiobook of Irene Pepperberg, who studied and wrote about the language limits of her African Grey. Listeners can expect many examples of Cosmo's talking and imitating other sounds like the smoke alarm, the telephone, and the wolf whistle. Since the author takes Cosmo to schools for children, she must be careful about her vocabulary around him. A mischievous friend called one day when Craige wasn't home and, via the answering machine, taught Cosmo to say Geoffrey Chaucer's favorite word: "fart." J.A.H. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      May 10, 2010
      Fascinated with language acquisition in animals, University of Georgia humanities professor and animal lover Craige decided to add an African Grey to her household. In this charming memoir, she captures her experience with Cosmo the parrot, revealing not just the bird's capacity for language, but also for affection, opinion, sociability, and reasoning. Cosmo's conversation—she utters some 250 words and phrases—is engaging and surprising, evidencing a sly, exuberant personality with definite likes and dislikes. Craige makes larger points about the fallacy of human exceptionalism and the importance of "animal ambassadors" like Cosmo while providing intimate description of daily life with this intelligent bird and her four dogs (Alaskan Eskimos). Craige illustrates Cosmo's charms (and deceptions) with great humor and affection, but is entirely explicit regarding the extensive hands-on care these animals require (Cosmo has five different cages), as well as the characteristics of Greys raised in the wild and captivity. This thoughtful book should please and inspire animal-lovers, and give would-be parrot-owners an idea of the challenges and rewards. B&w photos.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Loading