"Give A Hoot About Animals" Writing Contest

Read this winning entry for the "Give A Hoot About Animals" contest! Learn more about the contest here.

Grand prize winner, ages 9-11

Chris M., age 10, Exton, PA

The Boy I Love (through his bird's eyes) 

My name is Fred. That’s short for Fredricka Bird. I’m going to tell you about the boy who “gives a tweet about me.” His name is Chris. There are many animals around Chris’ family. There are horses, ponies, dogs, a cat (who I am not afraid of) and there are some fish swimming around, too. 

I came to see Chris as a surprise from his mom. Chris had found one of my cousins, many times removed, in his backyard. The little bird could not fly, so Chris and his sister tried to feed and care for that little guy, but he died. Chris’ mom thought he did such a good job with the little injured bird that she bought me. 

Well, I just love my boy. He takes care of me. He helps feed me. He puts very cool toys in my house for me to play with. I especially like the ones that make a lot of noise. He gives me water and cleans my cage. He takes me to his room and lets me fly around. I like to jump on his finger. At night he covers me up so I can go to sleep. What do I like best about Chris? He spends a lot of time with me. His mom bought him a book about parakeets and he read we can die if we are lonely. He never lets me be lonely. He is trying really hard to teach me to talk. Don’t tell him, I already know how. I like to hear Chris say “pretty bird” every time he comes to my cage. I see Chris helping with the other animals, but I know I’m his favorite. After all, I’m related to his favorite animal of all time. You guessed it, the dinosaur.