Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* This charming celebration of diversity is narrated by Warthog, who takes great satisfaction in pointing out his most alluring physical features, warts and all. In satisfying, sing-song verse, he goes on to describe his fellow zoo residents, highlighting the unique features that make each of them special. Without exception, every difference is presented as a point of pride, whether it's how someone looks (Would you dare tell Flamingo he shouldn't be pink?) or how they act (We never tease Tortoise for being so slow). Expressive illustrations portray the animals strutting their stuff and bring their personalities to life, whether it's Hippo wagging her ample behind or Leopard lolling in his spots. Stevens' layered pencil and brushwork create a colorful, textured effect that will make kids' fingers twitch to touch the animals as they read. Several two-page spreads show off especially cool physical traits, taking full advantage of the book's horizontal and vertical space Giraffe is too tall for a wide-angle view. A playful font calls attention to descriptive words, adding to the celebration of being unique. The rhythmic text and appealing layout make this a great choice for a read-aloud, and the content effortlessly prompts conversations about tolerance and self-acceptance. Pair this with Giles Milton's Call Me Gorgeous! (2009) to foster awareness and appreciation of diversity.--McBroom, Kathleen Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-A warthog narrates this bouncy rhyming text to explain the uniqueness of each zoo animal, pointing out that the creatures don't mind having features that could be considered flaws. "I have TUSKS! I have WARTS! But I like what I see! In my own special way, I'm as cute as can be." There is no real story line, just a strong message of positive self-esteem: "We are all the way we are all meant to be!" Big, bold watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations pop against white backgrounds, and a variety of fonts emphasize the special characteristics of each animal, such as the long nose of the elephant or the pink feathers of the flamingo. Some spreads require that the book be rotated 90 degrees, keeping the reading experience dynamic. At the surface level, the book is a paean to diversity and the beauty of each individual. However, logic breaks down when comparing human diversity to that of animals in the zoo. For example, a child unhappy about towering over friends won't be comforted to hear that "No one laughs at Giraffe 'cause he's LANKY and TALL. Here at the zoo, there is room for us all," since it can easily be argued that all giraffes are tall by nature. VERDICT The book might work as "quick and dirty" bibliotherapy or as a discussion starter, but examining it too closely will deflate its message.-Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL © Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
A parade of zoo animals sing praises about the things that make them unique: warts, sharp teeth, wrinkly skin, and more. The animals bop along to the jaunty rhymed text, which may help young readers grow in confidence about their own unique features. Stevens's large watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations with unique perspectives add whimsy to the animals' affirmations. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Various zoo animals celebrate their favorite features, warts and all.Warty Warthog proudly proclaims: "Can't be who I'm not. / I am who I am, / and I've got what I've got." He may have warts and large tusks protruding from his snout, but he likes them. Rhino loves her wrinkly skin, and Crocodile? You should see his toothy grin! Popping from animal to animal in snappy rhyming couplets (or delightfully slow ones if discussing Tortoise: "He'snotmeanttohurry / orscurry,youknow"), Beaumont shines in rhythmic play. Stevens, a master at animal portraiture, sets every creature against a stark white backdrop and poses them peering directly at readers, almost as if to dare them to say anything disrespectful. This effectively creates an immediate connection: It's impossible to say that Potbellied Pig is too plump; her vulnerable gaze makes readers realize she has feelings too. Ultimately the animals conclude that they are glad for their differences. After all, wouldn't it be a shame if everyone at the zooor people, toolooked exactly alike? A gleeful look at self-acceptance (and don't forget to search for the hidden fly). (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
