Books For Keeps
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Articles
  • Past Issues
  • Latest Issue
  • Authors and Artists
  • Latest News
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
September 1, 2018/in Picture Book 5-8 Infant/Junior /by Ellie
BfK Rating:
BfK 232 September 2018
Reviewer: Sarah Gallagher
ISBN: 978-1848699502
Price: £6.99
Publisher: Little Tiger Press
Genre: Picture Book
Age Range: 5-8 Infant/Junior
Length: 32pp
Buy the Book

What Do You Do if Your House is a Zoo?

Author: John KellyIllustrator: Stephanie Laberis

This is a colourful big picture book about pandemonium caused when one Mum and Dad finally agree that their son can have a pet. Their son, Oscar, puts an advert on a noticeboard saying “Could you be the pet for me?”  Lots of very interesting replies then follow. The book is set out in letter form with different fonts representing the different animal’s handwriting.

The different pictures reveal the characters but so do the letters themselves. These are for a slightly older reader or to be enjoyed being read. The humour is multi layered so there is something for everyone. For example the Gorilla’s card reads “Greetings, tiny adorable human….You will be the perfect pet for me!”

All the animals think they will be perfect for Oscar and descend on the house which soon descents into chaos. At one point Mum can’t leave as the meerkat sentries have put bouncers on the gate! The cartoons are quirkily, sketchily drawn which gives lots of life and zaniness to the proceedings. There is a mixture of compartmentalised pages of pictures and big pictures which engages the reader AND a sweet ending. You might guess which pet Oscar goes for in the end but it doesn’t matter – it’s an enjoyable story with great animal fun.

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bfklogo.png 0 0 Ellie http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bfklogo.png Ellie2018-09-01 16:01:482021-03-30 16:03:01What Do You Do if Your House is a Zoo?

Search for a specific review

Author Search

Search







Generic filters




Filter by Member Types


Book Author

Download BfK Issue Bfk 272 May 2025
Skip to an Issue:

About Us

Launched in 1980, we’ve reviewed hundreds of new children’s books each year and published articles on every aspect of writing for children.

Read More

Follow Us

Latest News

Choice and reading relevant to their interests = reading for pleasure

June 11, 2025

Ross Montgomery wins the 2025 FCBG Children’s Book Award

June 7, 2025

Michael Rosen and Emily Gravett IBBY UK nominations for Hans Christian Andersen Awards 2026

June 4, 2025

Contact Us

Books for Keeps,
30 Winton Avenue,
London,
N11 2AT

Telephone: 0780 789 3369

ISSN: 0143-909X (this is our International Standard Serial Number).

© Copyright 2025 - Books For Keeps | Proudly Built by Lemongrass Media - Web Design Buckinghamshire
Splash Day First Prize for the Worst Witch
Scroll to top