Z is for Zookeeper: A Zoo Alphabet

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Sleeping Bear Press, 2005 - Juvenile Nonfiction - 40 pages
The polar bear are splashing in their pool. The monkeys are having the time of their lives in the trees. The lion peacefully observes his surroundings. The zoo is a great place to see animals from all over the world in one place. But who takes care of them and their home the zoo? The zookeeper. In Z is for Zookeeper: A Zoo Alphabet children will learn that he's probably the busiest person there. And if you don't see the zookeepers, rest assured they're doing their job and doing it well. After all, someone has to feed, clean, nurse and clean up after this diverse adopted family. Who better to write an exploration into this trade than a zookeeper and his wife? Roland Smith brings his 20 years of experience and passion to every line in Z is for Zookeeper. Children will have a front seat into the inner workings, challenges and rewards of a day in the life of the zoo. This trip to the zoo wouldn't be complete without the whimsical animals and settings that spring from school-favorite artist's Henry Cole's expert brush strokes. Z is for Zookeeper: A Zoo Alphabet is a true original, exploring a rarely seen side of one of America's favorite family attractions. As a great keepsake of a fun day or as an educational tool on career day or a fun read before lights out, this detailed account of the zookeeper is sure to change the way readers see the zoo.

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About the author (2005)

Roland Smith was born in Portland, Oregon on November 30, 1951. He received a Bachelor's degree in English from Portland State University. His job working for a children's zoo began a 20-year career as a zookeeper. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, his first non-fiction book, Sea Otter Rescue, was published in 1990. He continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996. His first novel, Thundercave, was published in 1997. His other fiction books include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Peak, and Shatterproof. He also writes the I, Q. series and the Storm Runners series. Henry Cole has illustrated more than fifty books for children including The Leprechaun's Gold by Pamela Duncan Edwards, Little Bo by Julie Andrews, and On Meadow Street, which he wrote. His first novel was A Nest for Celeste.

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