Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Hardwood Creek Library (Forest Lake) | J FICTION GIF | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Park Grove Library (Cottage Grove) | J FICTION GIF | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | J FICTION GIF | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Stillwater Public Library | J FICTION GIF | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
Solve mysteries at a city zoo with a diverse group of kids in this illustrated chapter book from a two-time Newbery Honor author.
Lions and tigers for neighbors? That doesn't bother Luke at all. It's making new friends that scares him. Not only has Luke had to move from Florida to New York because of his dad's new job as a zoo doctor, but he's also had to leave behind his best friend--his abuelo.
When Luke discovers that there are other kids also living on Zoo Lane and that one of them might be the owner of a mysterious zebra-printed box left outside his house, he wonders if just maybe he can make friends and solve a mystery in this wild new place.
In this first book of the series, two-time Newbery Honor author Patricia Reilly Giff has crafted a charming story about conservation, animal care, friendship, and problem-solving. In touch with the programs and initiatives that today's zoos are undertaking, Giff provides readers with a fresh look at the work of zoologists. Charming line artwork by Abby Carter appears throughout and keeps the story upbeat.
Author Notes
Patricia Reilly Giff was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 26, 1935. She knew she wanted to be a writer, even as a little girl. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Marymount College, a Master's of Arts from St. John's University, and a Professional Diploma in Reading and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Hofstra University.
After she graduated from college, she taught in the public schools in New York City until 1960 and then in the public schools in Elmont, New York from 1964 until 1971. She then became a reading consultant before finally, at the age of 40, deciding to write a book. She also worked as an educational consultant for Dell Yearling and Young Yearling Books and as an advisor and instructor to aspiring writers. Her first book, Today Was a Terrible Day, was published in 1980. She is the author of more than 100 children's books, as well as a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers.
Together with her husband, Giff opened "The Dinosaur's Paw," a children's bookstore named after one of her own stories. She is the author of the Polk Street School books. Lily's Crossing, about the homefront during World War II, was named a Newberry Honor Book by the American Library Association as well as an ALA Notable Book for Children. The novel also won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor. Her companion book to Lily's Crossing, Genevieve's War, won a 2018 Christopher Award. Pictures of Hollis Woods was also named a Newberry Honor Book and Nory Ryan's Song was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults.
Patricia Reilly Giff died on June 22, 2021. She was 86.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (2)
Kirkus Review
Luke and his family have just moved to New York, where his father will be the vet at a new zoo. Luke's worried about whether or not he'll find friends at his new home, but more than anything else he misses his beloved abuelo, who's remained behind in Florida. Since his home is right next to the zoo, Luke has plenty of opportunity to explore, not only encountering several other children who seem friendly, but also discovering a mysterious box with some special items inside. As he works his way around the zoo, he learns about some of the endangered animals in it while he tries to find the box's rightful owner. Eventually, he discovers the box was meant for him all along, and it turns out that Abuelo was lonely too and will be moving in to help at the zoo. This very early chapter book features large print, a simple vocabulary, plenty of white space, and an attractive illustration on nearly every spread, making it just right for those transitioning from easy readers. The simple information about endangered species is a nice bonus. Luke's possible biracial white/Latinx heritage is suggested only in the language used to refer to his male grandparents: "abuelo" and "grandfather." He and his family are all pale-skinned in the illustrations; other characters are diverse. Book 2, Animal at Large, publishes simultaneously. A warm, engaging series kickoff with a cheerful conclusion. (map) (Fiction. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Giff's latest beginning chapter book series introduces the residents of Zoo Lane, whose houses abut the zoo itself. In this story, young Luke is unhappy about moving to New York City, where his father will be the zoo's new veterinarian. On Luke's first day, he finds a zebra-striped box containing a leash, a collar, and a dollar bill with a note: "Food for the first day." Puzzled, Luke sets off to find the box's owner, allowing him the opportunity to meet the other series characters. Interspersed scenes introduce several zoo residents, including black spider monkeys, baby pumas, and giraffes. As in Giff's other early chapter books, this features succinct text, short chapters, and frequent black-line illustrations. The human characters are multiracial and there is a nod to animal ethics: "Their spaces will be large. They'll look like their homes in the wild. And their food will taste just right." Although this particular mystery is slight, the surprise ending (Luke's abuelo moves to NYC to rejoin the family) will please readers.
