I wrote to the zoo and they sent me (Dear Zoo: Lift the Flaps - Rod Campbell)

Member Name: wisemind

Product:	Dear Zoo: Lift the Flaps - Rod Campbell
Date:	21/04/09 (240 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: loved by my son,strong flaps

Disadvantages: very young will rip the flaps

My son was bought Dear Zoo as a birthday present for his second birthday. He does already love books but has a very short attention span and can find a long story too much to listen to and he also wants to turn the pages before I have finished a page.

Dear Zoo is a book by Rod Campbell that was originally printed in 1982 although the first edition of the hardback book was not until 1988.

The book is designed for under fives and uses repetition and simple phrases to develop understanding.

The book is a board book which starts with the sentence" I wrote to the zoo and they sent me a pet. "The Zoo sent eight different animals. One each page an animal is hidden in crate, box or basket that they are transported in. The child lifts up the flap to reveal an animal. It describes why each animal is unsuitable and so had to be returned to the zoo. It does not name the animal in words but as my son can't read then it isn't important. Eventually the zoo sends a great pet but won't spoil the surprise of what that is.

The illustrations are very basic but that seem to fit with the whole philosophy of the book. They are the centre of the page as understanding what the picture is of is central to understanding the story.

I sat down with my son to read the book and he instantly loved it. The story is fast paced with few word sons a page and while I am reading the story he is opening the flap and actually loves the surprise of what is hidden.

I think at two he is only just getting old enough for this book as he has had a habit of ripping the flaps off this kid of book. The flaps in this book are made of slightly thicker card than a lot of similar books he has read or destroyed.

He seems to follow the story as it is so simple it is a great way for him to learn the basics of understanding a story. His favourites were the animals that he knows the animal sounds too and recognised but as he learns more animals then I am sure he will love all of them.

I have this book with me for reference and have had too read it to him numerous times to my son while writing this review which is the strongest recommendation I can give.

In my experience young children love books and it is worth getting them involved and learning to enjoy books before all they want to do is play on the computer or x box. I think this is a great book for two year olds plus and younger if you have a child who doesn't try to destroy.

This book states recommended retail price is £4.99 but is currently £3.49 on Amazon but as that is under £5 you would have delivery costs on top so worth looking around.

Summary: stronlgy recommended for pre schoolers