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Many different animals live in or visit the zoo. Each has a unique perspective on the world and their own relationship with Hugh, the zookeeper who cares for the inhabitants and their home. Some simply carry on as usual in their exhibits, such as Alfred the Alligator in his pond and Roland the Rhino in his open field. Human visitors are frequent and flock to the site even if, like Lola, they might have allergies to lions or other creatures there. However, sneakier visitors also come, including Frank the fox, who hunts for scraps, and Iris the insect, who goes after Hugh for a snack. Niles the Nutra even lives behind the zoo and cares for many children. Being in and around the zoo connects everyone, and they lead peaceful lives.
Numerous books teach children the alphabet, paired with colorful illustrations. This children's book set at the zoo checks those boxes while standing out through its quirky humor and general sense of community. Each letter is represented not only by animals at the zoo, but also by those living nearby and human visitors. The zoo becomes the central, unifying location that ties the story together. Another strength is that the book features a diverse range of creatures that might be new or unfamiliar to young readers. For example, it includes xeruses and umbrellabirds, which makes the glossary at the end helpful for young readers and parents. It would be easy to see this book read to children in a school, perhaps before a field trip to a zoo or during story time at a library.
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