The Wildlife Preserve of Airia

Fleeing from the dangers of the wild, Tune Sparrow sets out to find the fabled wildlife preserve of Airia, a prosperous avian civilization. He flies over the fallen empire of Animalism across the dangerous marsh to the Great Pond. On a ship, Old Salt, a learned parrot, teaches him about Air-ism, Aria's economic philosophy. In Airia, he learns about industry and honesty from Robin Thrush and the artisans of Best Nests. He learns about cunning and ingenuity from Merlin Falcon and the financial wizards of The Heights. Yet Tune loves and admires Aria Sparrow, a defiant critic of Air-ism. His experiences at Golden Sacks take him from crisis to crisis, all leading to a monumental clash. When Tune realizes the dangers of Merlin's ruthless scheme, he sets out to resist his insane project, but he fears that it may be too late. His journey is one of idealism, achievement, disillusionment, and wisdom.

"The Wildlife Preserve of Airia" is a fable about American capitalism. Inspired by George Orwell's Animal Farm, it is a scathing satire of Wall Street and corporate America, and their culture of greed and selfishness. Yet it is also a tribute to the genius of America's enduring ideals.

SALVATORE SALAMONE has a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Queens College. For twenty-two years, the author worked for a prestigious bank in New York City. ＂The Wildlife Preserve of Airia＂ is a cautionary tale about the dangers of the greed and power of American capitalism.