Z is for Zookeeper: A Zoo Alphabet Edition 1. (Sleeping Bear Alphabets) (Hardcover)

~ Marie and Roland Smith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4–Yet another addition to the spectrum of alphabet books available for young readers. This book, like the others in the series, offers quick-read rhymes based around the theme for each letter of the alphabet. For example, Q is for Quarantine./When animals are new,/here they are kept/before entering the zoo. More detailed information and interesting facts appear in the margins for advanced readers or keener zoo enthusiasts. Colored-pencil-and-watercolor artwork dominates each spread, but the text is not dwarfed by it. Readers will find the simple pictures as interesting as the text. In addition to the many animal species, they will find ample human representation and descriptions of the important work that these individuals do in caring for their charges.–Corrina Austin, Locke's Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
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Review

"Roland & Marie Smith's Z is for Zookeeper highlights the ABC's of zoo-life through a sneak-peak into the animal kingdom."
--Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus Columbus Zoo and Aquarium;
Host, TV's Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures (other than publication 20050730)

"Readers will find the simple pictures as interesting as the text. In addition to the many animal species, they will find ample human representation and descriptions of the important work that these individuals do in caring for their charges."
--School Library Journal, September 2005 (School Library Journal 20050601)

"Each page contains rhyming text for younger children and more detailed clear text for older kids. Clear, colorful illustrations by Henry Cole, make this book educational and fun. Kids will learn many things, including how giraffes are transported (no overpasses - they can't duck)."
--San Diego Union - Tribune, July 2005 (San Diego Union - Tribune )

"A very creative way to journey through the zoo. A must read for anyone visiting a zoo."
--Brad Andrews, Zoological Director, Sea World and Busch Gardens (other than publication )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press; 1 edition (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585361585
• ISBN-13: 978-1585361588
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 10.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,051,929 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A disappointing offering, July 16, 2005

By	An avid reader (WY USA) - See all my reviews

I had high expectations for this disappointing book. Some of the rhymes are clumsy: ""Don't lose your keys," all zookeepers say. Changing locks is expensive. Key starts with the letter K." Others are just foolish: ""X are those things animals leave everywhere. Zookeepers pick them up with the greatest of care." While the expository text for more advanced readers is interesting, the text for the younger students leaves a lot be be desired.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very informative and accurate, November 9, 2008

By	Beebee (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Z Is for Zookeeper: A Zoo Alphabet (Sleeping Bear Alphabets) (Paperback)

Some of the rhymes may be clumsy, but speaking as an animal (zoo) keeper, this book is a real look for kids at what animal keepers really do. The illustrations are beautiful, and the information is incredibly accurate for the small ones. That's a big pet peeve for me... when books seem to consider kids too young to worry about the accuracy of scientific or animal related information.

That being said, it's also geared perfectly to kids' interests without losing a spark for adults. The animal keepers I know gathered around this book with delight when it was given at a baby shower. And believe me, we are TOUGH critics on animal books.