Happy as a Tapir [Hardcover]

Terry Carbone (Author), Keith Du Quette (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1992

At a strange zoo in which the zoo creatures gather together twice a year to change animal suits, a young tapir is told that he cannot trade until he learns to be a better tapir. Jr Lib Guild.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Carbone's picture book debut will fascinate anyone who has ever wondered what happens at night when the zoo animals are left to their own devices. Carbone imagines that they unzip and unbutton their skins like costumes, revealing themselves to be members of the same imaginary multi-hued species. Twice a year these creatures, who resemble upright, large-bellied turtles without shells, trade animal identities, provided they have mastered their most recent roles. When a newcomer balks at repeating a stint as a shy, retiring tapir, he upsets the status quo and unwittingly embarks on a process of self-discovery. While DuQuette's ( A Ripping Day for a Picnic ) illustrations powerfully evoke a mood of nocturnal mystery, there is something cartoonish in his depiction of the disrobed animals that does not mesh well with his predominantly formal style. Similarly, while Carbone manages to touch upon a number of thought-provoking themes--the deceptiveness of appearances, the value of humility and apprenticeship, the importance of being true to one's self--these notions are not clearly integrated. But despite these shortcomings, the book's witty premise will certainly cause youngsters to wonder who's zoo. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Viking Penguin; 1st edition (June 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670842273
• ISBN-13: 978-0670842278
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,093,739 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy As a Tapir, April 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Happy as a Tapir (Hardcover)

This is a very entertaining children's book. It is about little creatures who wear animal suits in a zoo so that visitors can look at them. The newest member is not happy being stuck with the tapir suit at first, he wants to be anything else. The book is well-written and holds the attention of even very young listeners. This is a book that parents won't mind reading a 100 times, and believe me, this will happen. It is fully illustrated with beautiful color pictures that children will enjoy. Every child should have a copy of this book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a classic!, December 16, 2002

By 

James Otis (Silt, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Happy as a Tapir (Hardcover)

It is too bad that this book has been out of print, it is one of the most entertaining children's book I've ever read. My children think so too. Just a great original story with a wonderful message. Also it introduces your child to the not often thought of tapir. Do you know what a tapir is? Read this story then head to the zoo; you'll be looking for them!

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book about finding yourself., July 15, 2011

By 

Lisa Boettcher (Littleton, Ma USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Happy as a Tapir (Hardcover)

I originally bought this book because my 2 year old saw a tapir at a zoo and wanted to know everything about a tapir. I bought this book and we have read it hundreds of times. It's a wonderful story about a tapir who tries to be very good and what others expect him to be but realizes he is happiest just being himself. A fantastic life lesson in and extrodinary picture book. I would recommned this book as reading to preschoolers and beyond. Love this book!