Customer Reviews

Zachary Z. Packrat and His Amazing Collections

5 star:		(9)
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The first time my kids read this book, they promptly put on their backpacks, went outside and begin collecting things. Over the months, it has also inspired many discussions about who in our family is a packrat, why some people collect and save things while others do not, how people perceive value and more. Quite an accomplishment for one children's book! The prose is fantastic, the illustrations are beautiful and Zachary is so endearing, my kids wish he were real.

Who would have known that a rat would serve as a time machine for looking so far back into our past. Another great example of Brooke's talent in amalgamating facts with fun. Clearly, I am a fan of her works. Very enjoyable, especially as I feel that all of us can probably relate on at least a minimal level to Zachary. When I was in 1st grade and lunch was 90 cents I would ask for the change in pennies just so that, on rare occasion, I would get an old 1 cent penny. This made my day regardless of how many classes I got kicked out off (that day). This leads to question if a rat and I can get equally excited about a penny, maybe we are not that far apart from each other....

My son requests Zachary Z. Packrat every night! The rhymes are so well written that I really enjoy reading it. This book is everything a kid's story should be: humorous, educational and entertaining!

My son recently asked me to read one of his favorite bedtime books, Zachary Z. Packrat and His Amazing Collections, to his class. The kids loved the humorous rhyming text and spent a lot of time studying the details of each colorful illustration. The line that got the biggest laugh was, "Who knows when he might need doll clothes for his toes?" I love this book because in addition to Zachary's zany story is a prelude about Packrats, explaining how they live and how scientists learn from them, as well as Questions for Discussion at the end.

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My whole family loved this story! The rhyming prose and drawings are amazing! We read it all the time before bed. I'm a 4th Grade teacher and my class is crazy about it too. It should be on every teachers' book shelf, since kids are wild about anything that deals with adorable animals. They'll enjoy reading about Zachery so much they won't even realize their learning about pack rats and the desert enviroment they live in.

Who can't relate to this book? Whether you pack your own treasures away in your desk at school, your closet, a special box, or just in your heart, Zachary can teach you about his special treasures in the desert. Brooke's unique style of rhyme and informational prose, complimented so richly by her fun illustrations, makes every page full of enjoyment and fun. At the same time, there is a lot of information given about the desert and a packrat. My granddaughter wanted to hear this book over and and over because she didn't realize there are animals that are so different. After reading this to my students, it was a book they went back to several times on their own. An excellent book!

This book is so cute and it is a great learning tool, as it is fun to read yet is very factual. I think children and parents alike will enjoy this book (I know I did)! Brooke did an excellent job on this book, I was laughing the whole time! Whether you are a student or a teacher, I'm sure you'll love this fantastic book!!!! This review was written with my 12 year old daughter who loves Brooke Bessesen and her books.

We have all experienced children's books with no substance, and educational children's books that aren't much fun. Well, your kids are in for a treat! What's so special about Zachary Z. Packrat, is that not only is author Brooke Bessesen a marvelous children's writer and illustrator, but she's a seasoned naturalist with extensive experience working on such worthy causes as the California Condor Project and the Phoenix Zoo. So not only are Bessesen's books a blast, but they feature deep educational value that will educate and entertain your child (and you!) for years to come. Along with fanciful illustrations and captivating characters, the author incorporates fascinating true facts about the creatures she describes. Not only do these provide additional depth to share with your kids as they get older, but they stimulate discussion long afterwards about the lives of these animals - along with the human packrats we all know in our own families. Educational, and a blast!

Just like Zachary, the kids I know love to collect things. This rhyming book follows a cute packrat as he goes on treasure hunts to gather the funniest items (roadrunner's shoes, old socks, petrified poos, etc.)and the illustations are a crack-up! We especially enjoyed the book's prelude which explains how the stuff collected by packrats (the real ones, not grandma) is useful to scientists who are studying the past. Very interesting! Speaking of grandma, this book is fun for grown-ups, too, and would make a great gift for anyone who fills their shelves, closet and garage with special treasures.