Robert Lopshire (1927–2002)

My father loved this book, and so he read it often to me. Now I read it often to my nieces. I love it all the more for the connection to my personal history.

This is a fun story (the illustrations, showing the children's reactions, are hysterical) about a critter who wants to live in the zoo, and to prove that he should he shows off all the tricks he and his spots can do. Eventually he goes to the circus, everybody is happy.

I will note that the zoo depicted is a very archaic, every animal in show more a small, unfriendly cage type of zoo; I do not think it is sensible that he'd really like to "live this way". But when it comes up as an issue, we'll talk about it. The focus of the book is really about the cool (rhyming) tricks that can be done with spots.

I will also note that the board book version of this is seriously abridged and is, unfortunately, not very well constructed. Please just get the full edition. show less

“Put Me in the Zoo” by Robert Lopshire is a very fun and imaginative story that captivated me. First of all, the illustrations are so wild and colorful. I love how the animal’s spots change color and shape and size constantly. This book also features that crossover effect, so that the illustrations truly fill the entire page and help make this fantasy world come to live. I also like how the lines rhyme, because it adds to the whimsical nature of the story. In the end, I think the show more message is about finding a place to call home where you are not only welcomed and wanted, but can also thrive to your fullest potential. The animal was not even welcomed at the zoo, so shouldn’t be worried about getting in. Instead, he was very valued at the circus, and could be himself! show less

The book is a really cute picture book that includes humor, imagination, and magic. It's a very simple book, with rhymes, repetition, and bright illustrations. The pictures and colors really catch your eye as soon as you flip the page. With the creature's magical ability to move his spots and change their color, he believes he should live in the zoo (but two kids convince him he should try the circus). There is an important theme/lesson of belonging and finding the right place for yourself. show more Sometimes where you think you belong isn't going to be the best place for you. show less

A favorite with my four year old grandson. Easy, rolling cadences and rhyming that put a smile on the face as we consider the best place to live for this unusual animal with surprising abilities.