Citi of Books Presents “Midas Living with a Bird in the Hood” by Donita Kordonowy at the 78th Frankfurter Buchmesse 2026

Some animals become part of a household. Others somehow become the household’s loudest, funniest, and most opinionated member. In “Midas Living with a Bird in the Hood,” Donita Kordonowy introduces readers to Midas the Second, an African Gray parrot whose sharp personality, unexpected comments, and remarkable ability to imitate voices turn everyday life into a collection of unforgettable stories. 

Donita Kordonowy’s experience with animals is central to the book. She writes from more than twenty-five years of working with parrots and describes rescuing birds, evaluating their behavior, helping place suitable birds into homes, and eventually opening her own bird store. She also brought a large collection of animals with her when she moved to Rochester, including two children, three dogs, and approximately fifty birds. Her experiences with Midas the First, whom she lost after a furnace failure during a particularly cold winter, also help explain why Midas the Second became such a meaningful addition to her family.

“Midas Living with a Bird in the Hood” stands out because it does not try to turn Midas into something he is not. He is loud, unpredictable, sarcastic, mischievous, and sometimes downright difficult. Yet underneath the humor is a genuine portrait of the bond that can develop between people and animals. Kordonowy does not simply write about owning a parrot; she documents years of shared experiences and preserves the strange, spontaneous conversations that made Midas such an important part of the family.

For animal lovers, readers who enjoy humorous true-life stories, and anyone who has ever shared a home with a pet whose personality seems bigger than the room, “Midas Living with a Bird in the Hood” offers an entertaining and heartfelt look at one unforgettable African Gray. It is a celebration of the unexpected characters animals can become in our lives, proving that sometimes the best family stories come from the member who cannot hold a pen but certainly knows how to get the last word.

Citi of Books at the 78th Frankfurter Buchmesse 2026 — showcasing stories from diverse voices and creating opportunities for authors and their books to reach new markets, connect with global audiences, and inspire readers beyond borders.