Fraidyzoo

When Little T declares that she is frightened of going to the zoo, her helpful family sets out to determine exactly what scared her on her last visit, impersonating an A-Z cast of animal characters in order to find out. Their creative interpretation and play - masquerading as this animal and that, donning intricate, handmade costumes - eats up the entire day, so that by the time she is ready, the outing must be put off. When the family finally do get to the zoo, they discover just who the scary creature was, and this time it is Little T's seemingly fearless older sister who is frightened...

Much like the author's subsequent The Bear Report - the only other Thyra Heder picture-book I have read - I found Fraidyzoo an immensely engaging show more book, one which presents a humorous and heartwarming narrative involving a loving, close-knit family, while also crafting an innovative exploration of the alphabet. I liked the fact that the reader must guess which animals Little T's family is impersonating, and that the 'answer key' (so to speak) is provided on the rear end-papers. The artwork, created with ink and watercolor, is immensely appealing, with a lovely color palette, an exuberant sense of motion, and many expressive details. Recommended to young animal lovers, to would-be zoo visitors, and to anyone looking for creative new alphabet books. show less

Little T knows they were afraid of something the last time their family went to the zoo, but can't remember what it was...so the family goes through an animal for every letter of the alphabet, trying to jog T's memory. Their costumes are staggeringly creative (this book should have won every award for illustration), and the family's warmth and kindness are just as amazing - no one tries to hurry T, no one complains that they'll be late or miss their planned day out. Time passes visibly (they eat lunch, etc.) and by the end of the day T still doesn't remember what they were scared of, so the family decides to go to the zoo the next day...whereupon T's sister freaks out at the ticket-taker's big teased hair, peacock-feather earrings, and show more long red fingernails.

The way this family plays and invents together is inspiring, and their animal costumes are so creative, from a simple flamingo (the dad in a pink leotard and tutu and pink socks) to a truly elaborate rhinoceros (cobbled together from cardboard boxes and other recycled materials).

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Re-read July 2019 show less

This is quite possibly the best kids book I have read in months. Certainly the most inventive. And the family depicted bears eerily similarities to our own.

A child is afraid of going to the zoo, but can't remember what animal scared them the last time. The family goes through the alphabet to help them recall, using household objects, linens, cardboard boxes, and more to evoke the creatures in this imaginative romp.

Amazing illustrations! Trying to guess which animal at the zoo scares the youngest daughter, a super-creative family goes through the whole alphabet re-creating the animals with props and costumes from household items. What fun!

Loved this book! My daughter loved it so much that she has put this book on her Christmas list! Pictures are super unique, loved the artist's imagination with the animals. I would most definitely include this book in my library. Would be good to use as a theme book, the alphabet is cleverly disguised, and it even took my 7 yo a little bit to figure out the theme as to what was going on. Nicely done.

I would recommend this alphabet book both for younger and older readers. I admit I had to read the book more than one time through to find all of the animals that correspond to the letters of the alphabet. I am so appreciative of the creativity that went in to construction of each letter of the alphabet. Not only is the book appropriate for older learners, it would be a wonderful art lesson for all ages on the use of found objects. Further, the compassion and empathy shown by the family when Little T would make a wonderful character lesson.