Kid Konnection: The Zoo is Closed Today!

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a cute picture book that's a perfect tie-in with National Zookeeper Week.

Summary: It was a warm sunny day
with not much to do.
So Sue and John walked
to the Kalamazoo.

But when John and Sue arrive at the zoo, they are in for a big surprise! What is wrong with all of the animals? From Edward the elephant to Marcel the monkey, the animals have tummy aches and toothaches, runny noses and sore throats. Pete the zookeeper can barely keep up with taking care of them and has to close the zoo. And the next day, John and Sue are in for an even bigger surprise! This charming tale, illustrated with humor and warmth, demonstrates the value of sweet friendship. -- Peter Pauper Press

THE ZOO IS CLOSED TODAY! by Evelyn Beilenson and illustrated by Anne Kennedy is a great way to celebrate this last day of National Zookeeper Week. This adorable picture book shows what happens when the zoo is closed because the animals are ill.

This rhyming book begins when Sue and John decide to visit the zoo. They no sooner get there when they see a sign that the zoo is closed. Pete, the zookeeper approaches them and explains that the animals are all sick. For example, the hippo has tummy issues from eating a bad apple and the tiger has just had a tooth pulled. He details how each of the animals isn't well but will get better quickly with lots of rest, and the kids head home "with tears in their eyes!"

The next day, a letter arrives from Pete saying that they animals were better and the zoo was open. BUT... Sue and John discover that they are the ones who aren't feeling too well now!

I thought THE ZOO IS CLOSED TODAY was a cute story about what happens when all of the animals in a zoo get sick. The story is told in rhyming verses so it's quite catchy, and the illustrations are just precious. Check out this page about the elephant who has a cold in his nose.

I'm certain children will adore these colorful pictures chockfull of animals as well as the rhyming story (which is a little silly!) However, as a mom, I liked that this book gives readers an important less of compassion. You can't help but feel bad for these sweet animals (and Sue and John) as they rest and recover from their sicknesses.

THE ZOO IS CLOSED is a fun book that's both entertaining and educational. Recommended for preschoolers who have an interest in animals and zoos!

Thanks to Media Masters Publicity for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!