The postman brings George and Bella a delightful pink creature, who suddenly turns into a vulture, a warthog, a dragon, a hairy monster, and other destructive and annoying creatures.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
George and Bella are a happy couple who spend their days making model airplanes, cleaning house, and eating strawberry and vanilla ice cream. When one day a mysterious package arrives with a cute little thing inside called Zagazoo, George and Bella are mystified but happy. He may not be perfect, but his smile makes up for occasional wet diapers. But one day they wake up to find that Zagazoo has turned into a baby vulture with terrifyingly loud screeches, especially at night. Then another day he is a small elephant knocking everything over. And then a warthog, rolling in anything that looks like mud. Then a bad-tempered dragon. Every day, it seems, Zagazoo is metamorphosing, and George and Bella don't know how they can keep up. What more does this changeling have in store for them?
Quentin Blake is one of the most popular children's book illustrators of our time. A long-time collaborator with Roald Dahl (and many other acclaimed authors) in such picture books as the Whitbread Award-winning The Witches, Blake's eminently recognizable style is humorous and deliciously sly. His utterly charming allegory of childhood's wonderfully horrible (or horribly wonderful) stages will ring true to Zagazoos former and present. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter
From Publishers Weekly
Blake's (Clown) meditation on the stages of childhood introduces George and Bella, a "happy couple" who receive a brightly wrapped package in the mail. Opening it, the seemingly clueless duo discovers "a little pink creature, as pretty as could be"; an accompanying label identifies the baby as "Zagazoo." Blake's characteristically whimsical watercolors show the two (in a rather reckless pastime) spending "happy days throwing it from one to the other." Then one day the parents awaken to find that Zagazoo has morphed into a screeching baby vulture. The infant's subsequent and alternating identities include a mud-tracking warthog, a fire-breathing dragon and a wailing bat. In adolescence, the fellow turns into a hairy creature, then a young man with "perfect manners" who falls in love with a young woman. When Zagazoo and his beloved go to tell his parents that they wish to marry, the story abruptly switches perspective: the young couple finds that George and Bella have changed into a pair of pelicans. "Isn't life amazing!" concludes Blake's chimerical commentary on the phases of life. Youngsters may find this more puzzling than amazing; it's adult Blake devotees who will most appreciate this quirky tale. All ages. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Get two copies -- one for your parents & one for your kids,
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This review is from: Zagazoo (Paperback)
It is hard to understand how a book with so few words can be such a delight. The illustrations are a lot of this slim books charm but the real delight is slowly realizing exactly what, or who, this Zagazoo is. And with the realization comes recognition -- we were all once Zagazoo and we all go through the same stages. The ending is a surprise which can be read as profound or silly -- however you choose to take it. As wonderful for a three year old as a seventy year old. Get a copy for your parents as well as one for your kids. They will both enjoy this delightful book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic,
This review is from: Zagazoo (Paperback)
This should be considered a modern classic. I think I like the book more than my son but he enjoys it as well. I bought a copy for every parent and grandparent I know.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun for your child-and amusing for the parent as well!,
This review is from: Zagazoo (Paperback)
My daughter loves this book(23 months)She doesn't understand the subtle and VERY amusing story line but the pictures and text have kept it in the favorite pile for many readings(sometimes 2x a night)It makes me laugh every time I read it.....
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
Once upon a time there was a happy couple. Read the first page New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Once upon a time there was a happy couple. Read the first page New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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