Zoo [Paperback]

Gail Gibbons (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

‘Before the zoo opens each day a small army of keepers, vendors, and maintenance workers perform the daily tasks of cleaning and setting up. Then the crowds flock in. . . . The busy pictures are filled with details and action. The writing is crisp, clear, and informative.’ —SLJ.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1987 (NSTA/CBC)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Gibbons, an established creator of award-winning nonfiction, now turns her attention to zoos. In her familiar style, combining very simple line drawings, bold colors and an informative narrative, she leads youngsters through an entire day at a large zoo. She includes all sorts of workers: maintenance, food service, keepers, veterinarians and security guards. Unfortunately, this entry is less successful than earlier books. The narrative is informative but neither terribly lively nor exciting. The problem might be in the limitations of her graphic style when paired with this topic. The brilliant details and hues of her machinery and landscapes don't translate as well to her animalsthey lack vitality and interest. Workmanlike, quite useful, but not a first choice. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2 Before the zoo opens to the public each day a small army of keepers, vendors, and maintenance workers files through the gates early in the morning to perform the daily tasks of cleaning and setting up. Then the crowds flock in to enjoy the animals in their as-natural-as- possible settings and to play in the special Children's Zoo. A multi-ethnic group of women and men are shown preparing spe cial diets, sluicing out cages, checking on their animal charges, tidying the grounds, selling food and souveniers, and con structing a new exhibit. Male and female veterinarians tend an elephant with a stomachache and a lion with a painful tooth. The busy pictures are filled with details and action. The writing is crisp, clear, and informative. This interesting look behind the zoo scenes is illustrated in Gibbons' usual flat, simple, clearly-de fined style in the very bright colors so ap pealing to young children. Patricia Pearl, First Presbyterian School, Mar tinsville, Va.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (January 30, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064460967
• ISBN-13: 978-0064460965
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 8.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,911 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Zoos > Nonfiction
  • #24 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( G ) > Gibbons, Gail
  • #52 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Zoos

More About the Author

Gail Gibbons has published close to fifty distinguished nonfiction titles with Holiday House. According to "The Washington Post," "Gail Gibbons has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children's writer-illustrator." She lives in Vermont. Her website is www.gailgibbons.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great behind-the-scenes look at the zoo, August 7, 2002

By 

"a_mom" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zoo (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (School & Library Binding)

For all the children who go to the zoo and enjoy looking at the animals, Gail Gibbons presents a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at all the work that makes it possible. From the zookeepers arriving in the early morning to feed the animals and clean their cages and the vendors preparing for the zoo's visitors, to the security guard locking the main gate and patroling the empty walkways, the book does a nice job of giving children a more in-depth view of the zoo. Veterinarians help sick animals and monitor the birth of baby animals. Construction workers build a new exhibit. Zoo keepers prepare the special foods that the animals eat.

Both my boys were able to easily relate things they'd seen at our zoo to the book. Their next visit, too, was filled with applying what they'd seen in the book to our zoo.

Gibbons' books are always excellent. Zoo brings alive a favorite place to visit in a very unique way.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My 2 year old loves this book, January 9, 2007

By 

J. Russell (CT, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Zoo (Paperback)

My 2 year old loves this book. It is one of her favorites (The Zoo is her favorite place to visit).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Review of Zoo by Gail Gibbons, July 15, 2006

By 

Bailey - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zoo (Paperback)

In this book, Gibbons includes all important facts about the zoo presenting the information clearly and directly. The organization of the text is sequential from early morning at the zoo until nightfall. The purpose of the book is portrayed through the text and illustrations. The bright, colorful illustrations compliment the text and are clearly labeled using appropriate vocabulary for the intended age level. The book is very appropriate for young readers and would be a valuable resource for learning about the zoo.