Review: That Quail, Robert by Margaret A. Stanger

If you're an animal lover, this sweet little 1960s book written by Margaret Stanger and based on the true story of Robert the quail is for you.

Tommy and Mildred Kienzle watch a small quail build a nest in their yard. After mama quail and her twelve hatchlings leave the nest, the Kienzles eventually go to examine the abandoned nest and discover two remaining eggs. One is cracked but one is tiny and perfect. Imagine their surprise when the small egg shows signs of hatching. Imprinting on the humans whose house she hatched in, Robert (initially thought to be a male, he turned out to be female) joined the family as a dearly cherished little bird. Stanger, a close friend of the Kienzles, had a front row seat watching this little feathered ball of personality grow up and captivate so many people, both near and far. She also quail-sat when her friends needed to be out of town or out of the country. Robert was entertaining, quirky, and very particular about her routines. She was a good ambassador of her species and the stories recounted of the little quail are endearing. The book is quite short but charming, with reproduction drawings scattered through it. The language is very much of its time and often feels like reportage. Readers looking for a quick feel good book will certainly find it here.