At the Zoo-oo-oo
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
At the Zoo-oo-oo is a delightful book and original song written by Stacy Gabel that follows the adventures of Zookeeper Stacy as she meets various animal friends at the zoo. Join her, along with a boy and girl, as they encounter a giraffe on a raft, a friendly frog, a pot-bellied pig doing a jig, and more. The story enhances its magic with an interactive experience through an accompanying song and official music video available for download or stream on Stacy Gabel's YouTube Channel and all major digital platforms.
Age
3-5
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which animal at the zoo was your favorite and why?
How do you think the animals feel living at the zoo?
What kind of home would you design for one of the zoo animals?
If you could talk to one of the animals, which one would it be and what would you ask?
How are the animals similar to us, and how are they different?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to make the zoo animals come alive. Different voices can make the experience more immersive for young listeners.
Show genuine interest in your child’s opinions and feelings about the zoo animals to encourage them to share more.
Relate the story to a personal or family experience, such as a previous visit to the zoo, to make connections between the book and your child's world.
Encourage your child to draw or create their favorite scene or animal from the book. Discuss their creation, focusing on why they made certain choices.
Ask follow-up questions to their responses to deepen the conversation and help them develop critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Animals
Explanation: In 'At the Zoo-oo-oo', children learn about the different needs and habitats of animals, promoting empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing kindness to animals they encounter, understanding that every creature has its own needs and space.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Inclusion
Explanation: The book introduces a variety of animals from different regions, highlighting the beauty of biodiversity and teaching children to appreciate differences.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to embrace diversity in their communities and schools, recognizing that everyone is unique and valuable.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Conservation
Explanation: Through the storyline, readers learn about the roles zoos play in animal conservation, helping endangered species survive.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to partake in or support conservation efforts, such as recycling or learning more about endangered animals.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The book's engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations spark curiosity about zoology and animal behavior.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore more about the natural world through books, documentaries, or educational visits to zoos and nature reserves.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the book are shown taking care of the zoo animals, which teaches children about the responsibilities involved in caring for others.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace responsibility in small ways, such as taking care of a pet, helping with household chores, or looking after a plant.