A Night at the Zoo
Kirkus Reviews - August 1, 2014
"One boy, one dad, one cellphone and one ill-timed nap add up to one crazy trip to the zoo. Ever wonder what happens after hours at the zoo? When Mom calls Pop and Sam at the end of their zoo outing, they decide to eat one last container of popcorn on the bench. The popcorn has a soporific effect, and both father and son fall into a deep sleep, missing the closing announcement. The animals parade out, wearing party hats of all sorts, and are drawn to the cellphone resting next to Pop. Once the monkey gets his hands on it, he starts taking pictures. The night guard discovers the napping father and son, the animals are startled, and the phone is temporarily lost. Telling a story with very limited vocabulary, short sentences and one-, two- and three-syllable words is a challenge, but Caple's amusing, full-color ink-and-watercolor illustrations of animals gone wild extend the simple text and deepen the story. Very new readers will find success here, and adults will chuckle along with the silly situations shown in the pictures. Teachers can use this to jump-start youngsters' imaginations—what might happen after dark in other common places? Young animal lovers will find much to laugh at here. (Early reader. 3-6)"
School Library Journal - August 2014
"... a whirl of chaotic, onomatopoeic action."
"... the presence of the cell phone, a constant part of many kids’ experiences, will delight children. The text is easy enough for emerging readers to tackle on their own, and the sound effects that the bold type invites will have even the youngest child joining in to ring, bop, snap, and yip."
Children's Literature
"This “I Like to Read” series book is perfect for the newest readers, with a simple story told using controlled vocabulary in a large, easy-to-read font."
"... The humorous pictures closely follow the story, helping new readers with comprehension. "
"... will entertain those just starting down the path of reading.
Ages 4 to 7."
"A Night at the Zoo," is an "I Like to Read" picture book published by Holiday House. It is a story for early readers told in very few words and lots of pictures!