We are all going to the zoo. (Buster's Zoo - Rod Campbell)

Member Name: wisemind

Product:	Buster's Zoo - Rod Campbell
Date:	04/06/09 (86 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Involves Little one's in story

Disadvantages: None

As those who have read my recent reviews will know my son is mad about the book the zoo by Rod Campbell so when we were at the library and I saw the picture Buster's Zoo by the same author I thought it seemed right up his street.
One of the things that Rod Campbell believes in is involving children in the books as much as possible. He has written on a variety of stories based upon the little boy Buster. Buster's Zoo is a card touch and feel book. First printed in 2006
The book encourages interaction right from the front cover which has a picture of a monkey that has a circular disc of brown fur to feel.


The story is of Buster's visit to the Zoo and each page shows one animal gets to see.

Firstly he goes to see the lions. The picture is spread over two pages with a very simple design. The lion's mane is made of golden fur. The words are large and bold which tells what he liked about the lions. .

The book continues in the same format

Next he visits the penguins. This is my personal favourite page as there are penguins wandering around and there is a pool of water which is covered in a clear plastic which you can then see three penguins swimming under the water through the plastic.

He visits a Polar bear eating fish which has a swatch of long with fur to stroke.

He visits the chimps that are sat at a table eating a bowl of fruit. The edge of the table cloth is a flap of cloth which is covering a baby chimp hiding under the table. This is my son's favourite page as he lifts the cloth up and shouts "Boo" at the monkey hiding and giggles.

He visits a snake who is in a tree and which Buster is safe to be down on the ground but I personally think Buster needs move away very quickly as the snake is on an island but then there are just railings to protect him.

Buster then visits the bears. The Mommy and Daddy bear were sleeping. My sons says "shhhh" so as not to disturb the bears. Baby bear has a patch of fur on his tummy for him to rub.

Finally he visits an animal which is Buster's favourite animal. You only get to see a small part of this animal and the text gives a clue to the identity which is revealed on the following page.

On the final page Buster waves goodbye to all the animals which are all pictured together.

My son thoroughly enjoyed this book and strokes and lifts up all the appropriate parts. He will concentrate though out but will flick back to the monkey page. I usually let my son pick his story although I do pick some up as suggestions when he gets distracted. I would not rate this as his favourite book but it is one that I know he enjoys and will happily listen to time after time. He knows quite a few animals and though he can't say the names of most he can make the noises or signs which give me a chance to reinforce his attempts at speech.

This is a very robust book as despite it been a library book it has no signs of damage.

I would recommend this book as a way of getting your little one's involved with books. It is quite short so takes little concentration.

The RRP is £4.99 but is available on Amazon for £2.99 plus postage and packaging for a new copy on the market place.

ISBN no. 978-1405054454

Summary: An ideal book for little inquisitive minds