Friday, June 6, 2014

The Zoo is Closed Today-Until Further Notice



Hello everyone.  I'd like to welcome you today to Storywraps.  We have been doing a segment called "Bigger and Best" to start off.  In the world of children's books some authors and illustrators just rise to the top and deserve a shout out for their incredible talent and gifts.  Today's question I am posing to you is...."What movie grossed the highest income of all times that was based on a kid's book? "  That will get you thinking.  (Did me too ) Answer here tomorrow.


Featured book today:




Title:  The Zoo Is Closed Today! Until Further Notice
Author:  Evelyn Beilenson
Illustrator:  Anne Kennedy


Take a peek inside:







The illustrations are beautiful.  They are very detailed and expressive.  They add such value to the narrative.  


My take on the book:


This pleasing book is truly a beautiful specimen to read and to behold.  Written in rhyme, the author and illustrator pool their talents and hearts and produce a winner.  

The storyline introduces you to an adorable brother and sister who one day decide to take a walk to the local zoo.  To their utter dismay they come face to face with a sign hanging on the front gate that says, "Be patient and wait 'til all's well at the zoo." A huge heavy padlock secures the gate and no one is allowed to enter in.  The harried and weary zookeeper Pete meets them and explains why he looks so worried and sad.  Many of the animals have come down with illnesses and afflictions that will keep them incapacitated for some time,  They are confined to their cages until they can rest and be restored to full health.  Visitors will just have to wait to see their favourite zoo animals until they make a complete recovery.  

Finally the zoo gates are open wide and visitors are allowed entry.  Such happiness ensues, both for the guests and for the animals.  The ending of the book has quite a surprising twist....a very happy one, that your kids will be delighted to read.  

This charming book not only entertains but educates.  It teaches lessons on compassion and friendship and the importance of the tender loving care both animals and humans need when they are under the weather.  Highly recommended. 


About the author:                                




Evelyn L. Beilenson is a published author and a compiler. Published credits of Evelyn L. Beilenson include True Friends (Petites), Christmas Tales.


About the illustrator:


Having started out as a music teacher in public schools, Anne shifted to illustration in 1982, finding the quiet space of her studio a much more peaceful place to work. She has had a variety of clients in both advertising (GTE, ITT, Black & Decker, Nabisco, Dunn & Bradstreet) and editorial (Ladies Home Journal), as well as having illustrated many children's books. She lives in Ohio with her husband Jack, terrier Brody and thoroughbred mare Sitka, whom she trains and rides competitively in dressage.
Below are her most recent picture books, The Farmer's Away! Baa! Neigh!(Candlewick), Riff Raff Sails the High Cheese & Riff Raff the Mouse Pirate by Susan Schade (HarperCollins), Old MacDonald Had a Farm (Golden Books), Miss Fox's Class Series: Gets It Wrong, Earns a Field Trip, Goes GreenPeace and Week in Miss Fox's Class all written by Eileen Spinelli (Albert Whitman), Where Do Giggles Come From? by Diane E. Muldrow (Golden Books), Pony Scouts: Runaway Ponies!, Back in the Saddle, The Trail Ride, Really Riding!, At the Show, Pony Crazy by Catherine Hapka (HarperCollins), Callie Cat, Ice Skater by Eileen Spinelli, and The Best of Both Nests by Jane Clarke (Albert Whitman).



Book Review Rating:  8 (Fantastic!)

Read on and read always.  The weekend is almost here !  YES!

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