The Kids' Guide to Zoo Animals: Featuring 200 Popular Zoo Animals

Sandy Campbell is a reference librarian in the Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

More than 200 animals commonly found in zoos are profiled in this guide.
Each profile includes a description of the animal, its habitat,
behaviour, and threats; a small world map showing where it lives; a
taxonomic classification; and a picture.

The design of this book is visually appealing. Most of the text appears
in a large vertical column on a white background. The maps and
classification data are presented in a side column on a pastel
background matching the colour of the title and headings in the text.
The designers have used a different colour for each class of animals.

The photographs are also an important part of the design. To achieve
variety in the look of the book, the designers have used both the
standard rectangular photographs as well as images of animals cropped
out of photos and inserted into text blocks. Unfortunately, the
reproductions of the photographs are of mediocre quality. Many of the
images are too dark. Some are poorly composed, heavily shadowed, or too
low in contrast. Overall, the images have a rather dull appearance,
which is unfortunate, because apart from that, the quality of the book
is quite high.

Unlike many of the “cute” zoo animal books published for children,
this one has a more factual look and feel. It will be useful for
upper-elementary students working on endangered species projects, and
will be an enduring addition to reference collections. Recommended.