Genre: Children’s
Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins
Publication Date: December 2009
Reviewed by Jaci Miller
The emotional spectrum is represented in the picture book, My Heart is Like a Zoo. Debut author Michael Hall compares human emotions to feisty zoo animals in unusual situations: hippos drinking apple juice and walruses lounging on towels, for example. Expressive, contrasting colors on each page capture attention while the paper cutouts of the creatures, crafted largely from heart shapes, add a unique point of interest to the illustrations.
My Heart is Like a Zoo gives parents and children opportunities to discuss a plethora of ideas while enjoying rhyming language. Feelings, colors, counting, shapes and animal names are represented here. An endearing twist at the end demonstrates the true setting of the story.
This vibrant, welcoming book practically screams to children, “Read me! I’m made for you.” A noble first effort by Hall.
Review copy provided by HarperCollins.
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