Harry's Mad — Dick King-Smith

When Harry Holdsworth's great-uncle George died, he left him his most prized possession -- not a treasure chest or a private jet or a motorcycle -- a parrot named Mad! How disappointing.

But when Mad (short for Madison) arrives and introduces himself in perfect English, Harry discovers he has found a true friend, and much, much more. Mad is a whiz at crossword puzzles and board games, he's a natural mimic (he keeps the cat in line with a Humphrey Bogart snarl), and he even helps Harry with his homework. How did the family ever manage without him?

But one terrible day a burglar breaks into the Holdsworth house and steals Mad instead of the silver. Will Mad ever find his way back to Harry?