Rupert Piper and the Dear, Dear Birds

Rupert Piper and the Dear, Dear Birds by Ethelyn M. Parkinson (1976) The sixth of seven Rupert Piper books (the first was 1958 and the last 1979—only one I haven’t read yet). This is the weirdest yet, in a way—it gets really deep into observations of birds—some pretty intense stuff, actually—but it never feels like the overall story suffers due to an agenda. At its heart is still a humorous satire about Rupert Piper and his best guy friends, their families, and the small town. I did start to feel a little uncomfortable with the way the similar aged girls are kind of—not only left out—but not loved as much, by the author, as the boys. But her books are always primarily about young boys—and so that’s where the point of view is going to lie. I’m pretty sure Ethelyn M. Parkinson didn’t have kids of her own. I’d be curious to know what she was like. Probably someone’s most fascinating aunt. Anyway, this book is kind of an extended, comic, meditation on intentions versus actions. The boys initiate the “Boys’ Bird Haters Club of America and Wakefield” (their town)—complete with dedicated notebooks in which to record the bad habits of birds—and secret badges that each has a photo of a local, bird-hunting cat—concealed on back. Ultimately their goal is to let the people know all their negative observations of birds. It’s a long game, extending over several seasons, and in order to keep up their complex ruse, they are forced to take odd jobs to raise money for bird seed and other bird amenities—both to maintain their fabrication as bird lovers—and to get close enough of compile “the goods” on the creatures. Naturally, you see the boys’ transformation coming down Fifth Avenue (depending on your age and/or sophistication)—but that’s okay—it’s just as enjoyable, or more so, knowing the kids are going to come around to bird loving. There’s a lot of characters—local oddballs—including a really well-drawn, local, busybody. The ending almost falls into the classic court case climax—that kind of drama—with speeches, and minds being changed. It’s all very good.

4.23.24