Put Me in the Zoo

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 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 show more 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 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 show more 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. Sometimes where you think you belong isn't going to be the best place for you.

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.

I liked this book for two reasons. First, I liked how the writing followed a rhythmic pattern that keeps young listeners engaged and helps with phonemic awareness. For example, "Now look at this! What do you see? Green spots! As green as green can be!" See and be have the same ending sound. Second, I liked the illustrations with the dots. I fondly remember reading this book as a little girl and being completely amazed at the spots. It is interesting to see the spots move off of the cat and on other objects like the tree. It fits with the lighthearted mood of the story. The big idea of this book was to just be silly and to embrace our talents.

Summary: All the animal wants to do is to go to the zoo, but the boy and girl in the story tell him that he does not belong in the zoo. Throughout the entire story the animal tries to convince the boy and girl that he should be in the zoo by showing off his tricks, such as changing his polka dot colors. After showing the boy and girl his tricks, the children decide to tell him that instead of going to the zoo that the animal should go to the circus.

Review: Robert Lopshire captures young readers' attentions through his rhythmic words and his silly ideas. The premise of the book is an animal that wants to be able to fit in at the zoo so that he can stay there with the other animals, but he is continually turned down. The animal show more constantly shows hi eagerness through the use of this rhythmic statement, "Oh! They would put me in the zoo, if they could see what I can do" (p. 23). This statement said by the animal is repeated through the story, which can help beginning readers to stay captivated and eager by wondering what the animal will do next.

Lopshire's central message of his book, Put Me in the Zoo, is one that tells young children that you do not need to change yourself to fit in somewhere because there is always a place for you to be yourself. The animal is constantly questioned, "why should they put you in the zoo?" and he becomes disheartened by the negative outlook of his amazing talents (p. 13). In the end the animal realizes he can take his talents to the circus where he will be loved for who he is. show less

This book is about an animal that has magic polka dots, and wants to be in a zoo. The zoo keepers will not allow him in, because he is too different. The animal tells the kids how he wishes to be in the zoo, and while telling them all the things he can do with his polka dots the kids discovered that he really belongs in the circus. I feel like I can relate to this book, because I was always the odd one out in life, and I tried so hard to fit into groups that I would never be happy to belong in. Over time I shared my talents with people who really accepted me, and found the place where I truly belonged, as the animal does. I think a good extension idea for this book would be to have the kids to share what their talents are, and where show more they think they belong. Another good idea would be to have a talent show to give the kids a chance to show what they can do, and give them a place where they are accepted, and allowed to be themselves. show less