My School's a Zoo!
What’s inside...
The morning after a trip to the zoo, a young boy wakes up to find that everywhere he goes and everyone he knows has become an animal, from zebras at breakfast, lions in the lunchroom, to hyenas on the playground. Imagination runs wild in this story about a school packed with pythons, teeming with tigers and swimming with starfish. Stu Smith's lively text and David Catrow's hilarious art will have kids looking at school- and words- in a whole new way.
Age
5-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy (Narrator)
Discussion points
How would you feel if your school turned into a zoo for a day? What animals would you like to see?
What do you think the story tells us about trying new things or unusual situations?
Which animal in the book did you find the most interesting and why?
Can you think of a funny scenario that would happen if animals took over our classroom?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their answers, and if possible, share a funny school story from your own past to make the conversation two-sided and engaging.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or animal from the book. This can help them connect visually and emotionally with the story.
Compare the zoo animals in the book to their real-life counterparts to incorporate an educational twist.
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to imagine their own version of 'My School's a Zoo!' with different animals or settings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: The story showcases a school filled with zoo animals, emphasizing the individual traits and talents of each creature, thereby illustrating the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their classmates and friends, fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As the protagonist navigates a day at a school filled with zoo animals, he adapts to various unexpected situations, teaching resilience and flexibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of adapting to changes and challenges in their everyday life, such as moving to a new school or facing a difficult task.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book highlights how the protagonist creatively deals with unconventional challenges presented by having animals as classmates.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creative thinking to solve problems they encounter in school or play, encouraging innovative thinking and solutions.
Example Lesson: The joy of learning
Explanation: Through the engaging and unusual setting of a zoo school, the story makes learning exciting and captivating, promoting a love for education.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to approach their educational experiences with enthusiasm and a positive mindset, making learning a fun part of their daily lives.