Wild About Us!

PreS-Gr 2--A warthog narrates this bouncy rhyming text to explain the uniqueness of each zoo animal, pointing out that the creatures don't mind having features that could be considered flaws. "I have TUSKS! I have WARTS! But I like what I see! In my own special way, I'm as cute as can be." There is no real story line, just a strong message of positive self-esteem: "We are all the way we are all meant to be!" Big, bold watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations pop against white backgrounds, and a variety of fonts emphasize the special characteristics of each animal, such as the long nose of the elephant or the pink feathers of the flamingo. Some spreads require that the book be rotated 90 degrees, keeping the reading experience dynamic. At the surface level, the book is a paean to diversity and the beauty of each individual. However, logic breaks down when comparing human diversity to that of animals in the zoo. For example, a child unhappy about towering over friends won't be comforted to hear that "No one laughs at Giraffe 'cause he's LANKY and TALL. Here at the zoo, there is room for us all," since it can easily be argued that all giraffes are tall by nature. VERDICT The book might work as "quick and dirty" bibliotherapy or as a discussion starter, but examining it too closely will deflate its message.--Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

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