This Zoo is Not for You

This is another super rhyming picture book by the There’s a Bear On My Chair author and illustrator Ross Collins. Once again there is humour suitable for those of every age. A Platypus arrives at the zoo… eagle-eyed children might spot he is carrying something. On the gate there is a sign reading ‘Interviews today, apply within’. When he enters he is met by a tiger who directs him to various animals. Each double page is then taken up with that particular animal’s assessment of the platypus. The rhymes are rather funny and all end with the repeat ‘This zoo is not for you’, so when you read the book aloud children can join in with the refrain. The panda page particularly made me chuckle as the rather bamboo-full over-fed panda appears to be a bit complacent with his popularity. To show this, he is leaning on a mound of panda paraphernalia including mugs, toys and packed lunch boxes.

The illustrations are lovely and fluid in great spaces on the page with contrasting colours so you can really have a good look at the animals and their expressions – the monkeys are very cheeky and there is even a poo reference on their page! The book has a very clear message in it about treating people/animals kindly and ends with a surprise. If you read it, you will see how the platypus fits in – it’s worth the read I can assure you!