Michael Downs

You See a Zoo Mike Downs

The reader/listener is led by a child who contrasts what visitors see with a view of families and the way they care for their young.
“You see rowdy elephants… I see Healthy Kids at Play”
Scary crocodiles are protective mothers, silly chimpanzees are little ones at school, the angry lion is a dad on the lookout.
The rhyming text is coupled with softly colored inclusive pictures of families at the zoo. This book does a lovely job of accurately portraying animal behavior and then giving simple explanations. The ending is charming - “you see a zookeeper, I see my mom. You see a zoo; I see families like our own.”
This is a welcome addition to books about animals and zoos.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review… (mais)

This fun book has intricately colorful and detailed illustrations to make the point at each segment. The words and ideas, as well as the basic tenet are well suited to ESL and also for reading with children. I love it and plan to get one for our local library.
*A picture book that challenges kids to think beyond their first impressions* (from the blurb), but I think that ALL ages need this reminder to look past the obvious.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you!… (mais)