pamelaokramer

"Maestro Stu Saves the Zoo" by Denise Brennan-Nelson and illustrated by Tim Bowers is a picture book that can be read over and over. Kids will love the story because kids always love stories about animals. Adults and teachers will love the book because it is chock-full of idioms that are fun to teach.

The story is simple. A greedy person wants to buy the land where the zoo is situated and turn it into a shopping mall. He bribes the city officials ("He rubbed elbows with the fat cats in their ivory tower") with expensive gifts and trips.

The animals learn what is going on and meet to form a plan. The invitation the lion sends out is a work of art in idiom form: "Attend a high priority meeting! No monkey business! Midnight. On the dot! Lion's Lane 1/4 mile due south as the crow flies. Mum's the word."

Read the whole review at: Maestro Stu Saves the Zoo