When We Went to the Zoo - Softcover

Jan Ormerod

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0744523184 ISBN 13: 9780744523188

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd, 1992

Synopsis

When Jan Ormerod takes a family to the zoo, they sing "hi-de-hi-de-ho, the elephant is so slow." They see a pelican yawn. They laugh at an orangutan in a paper bag. But in the end, what they like best isn't a zoo animal at all. It's the simple, special sight of sparrows building a nest. The glowing illustrations make a trip to the zoo something to be remembered. Full-color illustrations.

About this title

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- A young boy and girl recount the sights they see during a visit to the zoo. The excitement of watching the sea lions being fed, of touching a boa constrictor, and of riding a camel is surpassed when the children and their father spy a sparrow flying to its hidden nest near the zoo exit. Once again, Ormerod has taken a common childhood experience and turned it into a celebration. Her text is a straightforward listing of the children's activities, loosely rhymed on occasion. As usual, it's her illustrations that lift the book above the ordinary. Colorful line-and-wash pictures show the animals with realism and dignity; they are striking and appealing figures without being presented as either majestic or adorable. Ormerod's familiar panel layout is especially effective here. Readers are able to view a central scene while observing the animals' movements or seeing what is happening around the main activity. This is a visual delight and a true animal appreciation book. Those looking for information about zoos for this age level should consider Gail Gibbons's Zoo (Crowell, 1987) or Judith Rinard's What Happens at the Zoo (National Geographic, 1984; o.p.). --Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly

A family's tour of the zoo provides a rich vehicle for Ormerod's precise, delicate art. Her animals are intricately drawn and alluring without being "cute," and the borders and boxes with which she divides her spreads create the subtle illusion that, along with the family in the story, readers are looking into cages or fish tanks, through fences or across a moat. Ormerod ( The Frog Prince ; Sunshine ) is a keen observer of fine, telling detail. By focusing on a pelican's yawn, or picking out, amidst the pageant of showy zoo animals, a pair of sparrows building their nest, she helps draw attention to small but significant moments that are worthy of celebration but might easily go unnoticed. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0744523184
• ISBN 13: 9780744523188
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English