Like a kinder, gentler version of Jumanji, Erika and Patrick open a box clearly labeled "Do Not Open." By doing so, they let the cat out of the bag, er...box. They also let out a kangaroo, a penguin, a giraffe - you get the picture. But then, what did their parents expect when they left the kids alone in the house where they could get the key to the attic and find the box? In a zany reversal of roles, the kids follow all these creatures to the zoo and find that the animals are buying tickets to watch humans that are on display. Will they be able to escape or wind up a permanent exhibit?
Readers will have fun predicting what will happen next. The illustrations are in comic strip style boxes on most pages, with the occasional full-page or even double-page spread to really capture your attention. I can imagine a class project where each student creates their own illustration of a human exhibit for the animals to visit in the zoo. Will they choose to show a dining room, a classroom, piano lessons? There are endless possibilities.
Don't read this at bedtime, because everyone will be too amused to settle down and sleep when the story is over!
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The book was published July 15, 2014.
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