Meet the Crew at the Zoo

July 1, 2020
Luke and his family have just moved to New York, where his father will be the vet at a new zoo. Luke's worried about whether or not he'll find friends at his new home, but more than anything else he misses his beloved abuelo, who's remained behind in Florida. Since his home is right next to the zoo, Luke has plenty of opportunity to explore, not only encountering several other children who seem friendly, but also discovering a mysterious box with some special items inside. As he works his way around the zoo, he learns about some of the endangered animals in it while he tries to find the box's rightful owner. Eventually, he discovers the box was meant for him all along, and it turns out that Abuelo was lonely too and will be moving in to help at the zoo. This very early chapter book features large print, a simple vocabulary, plenty of white space, and an attractive illustration on nearly every spread, making it just right for those transitioning from easy readers. The simple information about endangered species is a nice bonus. Luke's possible biracial white/Latinx heritage is suggested only in the language used to refer to his male grandparents: "abuelo" and "grandfather." He and his family are all pale-skinned in the illustrations; other characters are diverse. Book 2, Animal at Large, publishes simultaneously. A warm, engaging series kickoff with a cheerful conclusion. (map) (Fiction. 5-8)

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2020
Grades 1-3 Giff's latest beginning chapter book series introduces the residents of Zoo Lane, whose houses abut the zoo itself. In this story, young Luke is unhappy about moving to New York City, where his father will be the zoo's new veterinarian. On Luke's first day, he finds a zebra-striped box containing a leash, a collar, and a dollar bill with a note: "Food for the first day." Puzzled, Luke sets off to find the box's owner, allowing him the opportunity to meet the other series characters. Interspersed scenes introduce several zoo residents, including black spider monkeys, baby pumas, and giraffes. As in Giff's other early chapter books, this features succinct text, short chapters, and frequent black-line illustrations. The human characters are multiracial and there is a nod to animal ethics: "Their spaces will be large. They'll look like their homes in the wild. And their food will taste just right." Although this particular mystery is slight, the surprise ending (Luke's abuelo moves to NYC to rejoin the family) will please readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

March 12, 2021

Gr 1-3-The first installment in a new series follows Luke, his younger sister Benita, and his parents as they move from Florida to Zoo Lane in New York for his father's new job as the zoo doctor. Luke is nervous enough just moving to a new place, but is even more upset that his beloved abuelo remains in Florida. The day after their move, Luke hurries along to help his father with the animals and finds an abandoned box filled with mysterious items. Determined to find its owner, Luke meets several other friendly residents of Zoo Lane, but no one claims the box. The story's heartwarming, satisfying conclusion sets up further adventures in the series. Short chapters, interesting facts about the zoo animals and wildlife, and illustrations throughout help accelerate the plot. Back matter includes additional information about several animals introduced in the story as well as ways to help wildlife. Luke and his family are depicted with light skin and straight black hair, with a diverse supporting cast. VERDICT A beginning chapter book sure to appeal to emerging readers and animal-lovers alike-a sweet, informative addition to most collections.-Olivia Gorecke, Cape May Cty. Lib., Ocean View, NJ

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.