SLJ calls MERRY CHRISTMAS, ZOO by Lisa Eickholdt and Lola Schaefer “A delightful tale and a great addition to any children’s library collection” in starred review
As Christmas approaches, zoo workers decide to surprise and treat the animals with gifts. The zoo begins getting into the holiday spirit by decorating with Christmas trees, papier-mâché, bows, stockings, and lots of lights around each animal habitat. Illustrations show zoo staff preparing specific fruits and meals for the different animals, as well as suitable gifts for each one. When everything is prepared, Santa delivers the gifts just as he does for the children of the world. The story is told in rhyming verse inspired by the popular holiday poem “The Night before Christmas.” Children will delight in seeing animals ripping wrapping paper off gift boxes and reaching into stockings for treats. They will also enjoy each animal in their habitat, receiving appropriate gifts, such as the penguins and otters getting fish frozen into big ice cubes floating in the water. Great back matter includes information on how zoos around the world celebrate the holidays with their animals. Zookeepers consult with veterinarians and nutritionists to make sure nothing that is given to the animals will make them choke or hurt them and that wrappings are nontoxic. VERDICT A delightful tale and a great addition to any children’s library collection.–Annmarie Braithwaite
