Review by Booklist Review
Mia and Max can't wait to go to the zoo on a class trip, but excitement turns to disappointment when all the animals are either sleeping or hiding. It isn't until they are accidentally left behind that Max and Mia discover what the animals are really up to at the strike of midnight, the boring daytime zoo becomes a riot of color and activity as the animals host a celebration of circus shows and performances, with Mia and Max as their special guests. With elaborately decorated costumes and exotic settings, the animals delight in their own extravagance, and their young audience has the time of their lives. Safely rescued the next morning, no one believes Mia and Max's story, but they don't mind one bit. Illustrated with brightly colored pencil drawings, the abundantly detailed pages offer a visual feast for young readers. The double-page spreads are especially engaging, with fantastical costumes and magical settings that evoke exotic locations from around the world. A fun and energetic confection.--Hayes, Summer Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Hanson's (The Wonder) eclectic, romantic style-it's like she's the Vivienne Westwood of children's literature-gets a workout in this story of a magical overnight escapade. When Max, Mia, and their classmates arrive at the zoo for a much-anticipated field trip, the animals are hidden away ("not the flick of a tail or swish of a whisker can be seen") though sharp-eyed readers will spot signs of life, such as a lemur tail hanging from a tree. Disappointed, the group departs, accidentally leaving Max and Mia behind to discover that the zoo turns into a fabulous, if not downright campy masquerade party at midnight. As Hanson's narrative switches to alliterative rhyme, flamingos and hippos dress up in feathery and glittering outfits straight from a Busby Berkeley musical, bears in elaborate headdresses parade through Japanese pagodas, and Max and Mia are in the thick of it all. Hanson isn't a quick visual read-her decorative style and expansive, detail-laden scenes demand focus from readers. But for those willing to expend the effort, the rewards are both satisfying and stylish. Ages 3-7. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Kirkus Book Review
When they are accidentally locked in, two children discover what a magical place the zoo becomes at midnight. White siblings Max and Mia join excited classmates on a school trip to the zoo. By day's end, however, the animals have failed to appear, and disappointed kids pack onto the bus and depart, leaving Max and Mia behind. At midnight, Max and Mia eagerly witness zoo animals perform a dazzling floor show. Next morning, they awaken in the zoo as their frantic mother retrieves them, refusing to believe their amazing tale. Initially, the spare text focuses on Max and Mia, who "trundle like elephants," "cling like monkeys," "nibble like lemurs," and hide "like scaredy meerkats." As the midnight revels commence, the text segues into alliterative rhyme with "flouncing flamingos," "mischievous monkeys," "laughing lemurs," "pandas who prance," and "kingly cats." Colorful, precise, and whimsical digitally colored pencil illustrations abound with delightful comic details. Hilarious in their animal headgear, Max and Mia stand out in close-up cameos as well as busy double-page spreads. Festooned with feathers, jewels, and flowers, the previously hidden animals treat Max and Mia (and readers) to a visually extravagant, spectacular celebration. An exuberant, surprising, and unforgettable trip to the zoo. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
