Peter Pauper Press inspires families to get out and about on warm summer afternoons with the rhyming picture book The Zoo Is Closed Today! by Evelyn Beilenson and illustrated by Anne Kennedy (June 2014; $16.99; Ages 3-7).
Evelyn Beilenson
takes readers on a walk through the closed zoo with rhymes that not only
entertain but educate, teaching young readers a valuable lesson about
compassion and friendship as they encounter various animals who are
under the weather. From a bunny with an ear ache to a fox with a sunburn
- thesefriends are eager to lend a helping hand. Anne
Kennedy's love for animals is clear in her lively, full-color
illustrations that brighten every page and take readers on their own
imagination-fueled safari. This endearing tale will comfort children who
fear they're missing all the fun while home with the flu, and the final
twist will warm the hearts of parents and children alike.
Find the Book
About the author:
Evelyn Beilenson has
been in the publishing industry for over 20 years and has written more
than 15 books. The Zoo Is Closed Today! is Evelyn's debut children's
picture book. She draws inspiration from her children and grandchildren,
and believes that life should always be lived to the fullest - even if
you come down with a cold! She lives in New York.
About the illustrator
Anne Kennedy is
a lifelong animal lover, and she prefers painting them over any other
subject. It's a good day when she gets to illustrate a whole zoo full of
animals! Anne has been an illustrator for over 30 years. She has
illustrated many children's books, including the popular Miss Fox's
Class series, written by Eileen Spinelli. She has also written and
illustrated her own picture book, The Farmer's Away! Baa! Neigh! She
lives near Columbus, Ohio.
About Peter Pauper Press:
Founded
in 1928, Peter Pauper Press is one of America's leading publishers of
fine gift books, humor books, compact references, travel guides,
journals, quality stationery, holiday cards, and innovative children's
activity books. The company publishes approximately 100 books and
ancillary products per year.
My Thoughts
John and Sue want to spend a day at the zoo, but when they get there, it's closed. The zookeeper comes out and tells them that all the animals are sick. Of course they are disappointed but they understand. The next day when the animals are better, they want to go back to the zoo, but now they have colds, so the animals come to see them
We have a zoo only a few minutes from our house, and we're there all the time. We even know some of the zookeepers my name, so this book was special for us. My kids loved seeing an animal they recognized on each page, and felt so sorry for them when they were ill. It was great how the author was able to create a rhyming verse for so many different animals and their ailments, whether its a camel with hives or a monkey with a broken tail. The beautiful water-color illustrations really bring the story to life.
In addition to being entertaining, the story does also have a moral. Seeing all the animals taking their medicine or visiting a doctor shows children that, while being sick is ever fun, they don't have to be afraid because their parents and doctors will do what's best for them.
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