Animal Helpers: Zoos

January 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 2-Curtis capitalizes on children's love of animals to teach them about zookeepers. Aimed at a young audience, the text is minimal, describing for readers some of the tasks zookeepers perform on a daily basis: "Could you introduce baby chimps to their new troop or provide a snack for reptiles?" Unfortunately, the text is so simple that it becomes disjointed. There is also very little explanation of the tasks, simply a listing. Attractive double-page photographs will attract readers. At the back of the book is a "For Creative Minds" section that offers additional facts about zoo habitats, wildlife conservation, and more detailed information on zookeeping as a career. The vocabulary in the back matter is written at a much higher reading level than the rest of the book, which makes it necessary for adults to interpret for young readers. -Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.