Aria

A comedy performer and screenwriter, Elbling makes his children's-book debut with this tale about a girl who spends her days playing in the jungle. Though unable to speak, Aria can imitate the sounds of parrots, macaws, toucans and other birds. Horrified when two birdsellers follow her into the jungle and make off with a stunning red cardinal, Aria leaves her village and goes to live with her feathered friends. Because she repeatedly warns the birds that humans are near, she angers the would-be birdcatchers, who try to capture her and then force her off a cliff. Aria's fall is broken by a large flock of birds, who sweep her ``into the blue beyond.'' Featuring simulated parchment pages, the book is impressively designed and lavishly illustrated with Williams's (When Grandma Came) richly hued paintings. Elbling's slim allegory, however, never quite takes flight. All ages. (Sept.)