Zooloween

A jubilant costume party from beginning to end. 

PreS-Gr 3--A delightful romp through the zoo, while a parade of animals don their most imaginative costumes. Katz's clever rhymes add to the fun, though a couple of lines might prompt a second read to make them rhyme as intended ("I've never seen a/ fox dressed as a/ ballerina!" or "please don't eat a/ walking, marching/ grilled-cheese cheetah!"). Laberis's illustrations steal the show, capturing the hilarity of each animal's costume with vivid detail and expressive charm. From a "dandy-lion" to a skunky donkey, the imaginative costumes are sure to elicit laughter from kids of all ages. A surprise twist after the winner of the costume contest is announced concludes the story. VERDICT With its hilarious storyline and captivating artwork, this book is a joyous celebration of Halloween spirit and friendship.--Jessica Clark

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

At the direction of zookeeper Sue, shown with brown skin and spectacles, the City Zoo crew come out of their cages and habitats for a rowdy Halloween costume parade in this rhyming revel. From a snake dressed as a carrot to a hopping cotton-tailed cow, the animals joyfully don all manner of goofy accoutrements to take part in the masquerade. A local news reporter narrates, and happy families portrayed with various skin tones look on. Katz rolls out plenty of silliness for the occasion: "Take a glance but/ please don't eat a/ walking, marching/ grilled-cheese cheetah!" And Laberis's critters, rendered in boldly hued digital images, clearly understand the brief, strutting their stuff while exuding a fun, upbeat flamboyance. Ages 4-8. (July)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

This tale will make an excellent choice for a lap read or storytime; for added fun, pair it with a nonfiction book about real-life animals. ... A jubilant costume party from beginning to end. — Kirkus Reviews