Sheena Knowles

The rhyming text, with a series of patterned events, reminds me of nothing so much as Dr. Seuss.?á But Knowles didn't create imaginary animals, rather, she and Clement offer children a chance to get better acquainted with zoo animals.?á Now, some of us don't care for zoos, but there's every indication these emus, seals, lions, and snakes are well cared for and content.?á Anyway, the main point for me is that they're not farm animals!?á I love cows and chickens as much as the next show more country-raised girl, but I love picture-books about lesser-known critters!?á I would absolutely buy this, and the companion that I have requested already, for any small children I know.

Gorgeous, vibrant, detailed illustrations, true to life but also expressively anthropomorphic.... I'd love to frame some for a child's room.?á Great for discussion, too.?á It's got a little of that theme about being content with who you are, with your place in the world, going on... but at the same time it portrays curiosity, an exploratory & adventurous nature, ambition, and courage as good things.?á If a sing-song text bothers you, ok, you have my permission to skip this.?á Otherwise, I highly recommend it. show less

A follow-up to Edward the Emu, this book has the same captivating rhyme and rhythm patterns, but the story line is a bit more forced. Still, a great book to read aloud to young ones.

Sheena Knowles writes this animal fantasy book in a fun way using rhyme. Edward the Emu is a humorous character that keeps readers engaged and laughing.

Edward is a bored emu in the zoo. In the story, Edward goes on a quest for a change and to find a more interesting life than his in the zoo. Each day Edward tries the lifestyle of a different animal. As visitors are roaming the zoo Edward listens as they comment on what they like best about the animals. The visitors comments lead Edward to show more the next animal and he wants to try. Finally, he returns to his own space at the zoo. Only to find an unexpected guest… show less

Edward the emu is bored with life in the zoo. It seems that the seals have much more fun than he does, and so Edward decides to sneak into the seals’ enclosure to swim and sunbathe. But Edward is startled when a zoo visitor states he much prefers the lions to any other zoo animal, and so Edward, thinking the lions must have it best, sneaks into the lions’ enclosure to roar and growl. Each day, Edward moves around the zoo to find the animal who seemingly has it better than the emu. show more However, one zoo visitor’s proclamation that the emus are his favorite makes Edward realize that he’s just fine with being an emu after all.

Readers will assuredly be entertained by the large, colorful illustrations of Edward tangled up with a snake, and the picture of an emu’s feet on top of a disgruntled lion’s head will make any reader giggle. Plus, the slight twist at the end will delight readers as well (and perhaps encourage them to read the sequel Edwina the Emu!). The story also provides a chance for adults to discuss with children about being comfortable with who they are, and this charming story of an emu who decides that he doesn’t want to be anyone else but himself is the perfect opportunity. Highly recommended. Grades pre-K to 2. show less