The Secret Zoo (Paperback)

~ Bryan Chick (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Gr 4-6- Noah Nowicki and his younger sister live next to the Clarksville Zoo. One night, Megan mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind only a few pages from her diary as clues. Noah and his friends, Ella and Ritchie, who call themselves the Adventure Scouts, set out to rescue her. They befriend a batch of sentient yet nonspeaking zoo animals that include a polar bear named Blizzard; Podgy, a penguin; and Marlo, a Malachite Kingfisher. These creatures, who claim to know what happened to Megan, lead the Scouts into the zoo, which has a secret entrance to a fanciful land called the City of Species where animals and humans live alongside one another. During their stay, the children learn of the city's origin and discover that Megan was most likely taken to the Dark Lands, a place separated from the city and ruled by dangerous sasquatches, beasts that are half human, half gorilla. In order to enter this land to find her, the Scouts risk releasing hundreds of sasquatches into the city. This book, which is the first of a series, is a fast-paced mix of mystery and fantasy. There is enough action and suspense to keep the most reluctant reader entertained while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of friendship and teamwork. It promises to be the beginning of a popular series --School Library Journal

When nine-year-old Megan mysteriously disappears, her older brother, Noah, sets out on a rescue mission. His only clues are a story Megan told before her disappearance and a tattered page of her journal left on Noah's pillow by a strange blue bird. Following close behind in this adventure are Noah's best friends, Ella and Richie; together they call themselves the Adventure Scouts. On a rollercoaster of adventures, the Scouts are led into the fantasy world of the City of Species where they encounter animals with mysterious talents and spectacular abilities, as well as community of humans who live in harmony with these amazing creatures. But their rescue mission is nearly thwarted by the ancient sasquatch community inhabiting the Dark Lands outside the City of Species! In his first novel, newcomer Bryan Chick introduces young readers to the first of seven Adventure Scouts, and easily bridges the gap from mystery to fantasy. Inspired by his own childhood zoo experiences, the author masterfully transforms simple animals into magical creatures, made both lovable and threatening by their humanness. Chick s creatively crafted zoo animals communicate mysteriously, with both characters and readers alike. With a humorous twist, Chick cleverly names the Secret Zoo animals, giving prairie dogs names such as Hot Dog, Chili Dog, and Dog Tag. In vividly described encounters with these special animals, the Scouts uncover additional clues to Megan's disappearance. Chick's characters and animals spring to life with beautiful imagery, and leave readers anxiously awaiting the sequel. This fast-paced novel will appeal to both youthful and mature readers. The intricately designed plot will keep readers turning pages, while moving between the fantasy world of the Secret Zoo and reality. --ForeWord Magazine

Product Description

When three friends link a girl's disappearance to unusual activity at their local zoo, they discover that each exhibit holds a hidden passage to a secret zoo kingdom. To rescue their friend, the children must band with the animals, enter this mysterious world, and embark on an exciting adventure in the first book of an epic series for middle-grade readers.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Second Wish Press (October 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979188733
• ISBN-13: 978-0979188732
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #484,969 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book for all ages!!, October 12, 2007

By	M. Traver (Michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Although this book is aimed at the 9-12 year old range I can't put it down myself! I bought it as a read-aloud for my children but have gotten so wrapped up in the characters and story line that I haven't gotten around to reading it to my kids yet. If you think the cover is beautiful wait until the experience of the mental pictures the author provides with his detailed and exquisit writing. I can't wait to pick up the book and start the next chapter!
A wonderful addition to anyone's household!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and spell binding, November 1, 2007

By	Anna M. Shelton (MI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was a great read! This adventure series seems like it will be as good as or even better than the Narnia series. I can't wait for the next one! It captured your attention from the beginning to end and is perfect for boys or girls. I ended up buying several more copies as gifts for my nephews and Godchild.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS SURE TO BE A HIT!, December 12, 2008

By	J. Bond "Team Bond" (Walled Lake, MI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a third grade teacher who is still reading this book to my class...and we are ADDICTED to it! It is one of the best books I have read to my class in a long time. The book is filled with descriptive language, suspense, and a lot of action and adventure. My students beg me to read more and more each day. We have had a lot of great discussions and have applied the story to many of our literacy lessons...especially with vocabulary. I can only imagine that with more exposure, this book is going to be a hit. I can even see it becoming a successful movie! We are looking forward to the next book in the series!