You Can't See a Dodo at the Zoo

Amanda Leslie has written and drawn a picture book that parents will enjoy, as well as preschoolers. A bored little boy, entertaining himself in his bedroom, wishes he had someone to play with. Suddenly, he hears noises outside his bedroom door. Every turn of a page reveals an animal noise; the boy opens his door (located on separate pages in the book) to see what animal is lurking. He encounters a bear, a lion, a giraffe, and other animals too big or too small to play with. Will the young boy find the right animal to play with and be his friend? There are two aspects of this book that will appeal to preschoolers. First, they will enjoy sounding out the animal noises on the pages as each animal arrives at his bedroom door. Second, they will take pleasure in guessing what kind of animal is behind the door - then turning the page to see if they were correct. Astute preschoolers will notice the boys' t-shirt changing colors with every turn of a page. The illustrations are large and colorful, drawn in a warm and friendly style that parents will appreciate (the animals show no ferocity on their faces). This book should entertain and educate the average youngster that is beginning to read on his or her own, or still enjoys being read to.