The biggest shadow in the zoo

by Jack Kent

Book by Kent, Jack

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Animals, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

John Wellington "Jack" Kent (1920 – 1985) was an American cartoonist and prolific author-illustrator of children's books. He is perhaps best known as the creator of the comic strip King Aroo. In addition to his own books, he illustrated more than twenty books by other authors.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goober was proud that he had the "biggest" shadow in the entire zoo but one day, his shadow got too close to the moat and it "fell" into the moat. Goober was so upset and waited next to the moat, even through a bad thunderstorm, hoping his shadow didn't die. The next day, he noticed the moat was filled to the brim and couldn't see his shadow anymore (It was a very cloudy day!). Sadly he went back to his house and the vet came to check up on him because his keepers could tell something was wrong. He looked up and saw his spectacular shadow there on the wall and was so thrilled his shadow was okay. My 10 y.o. thought it was kind of silly that he needed his shadow in order to make himself feel good but it was a good little message about self-confidence and how we all need something to give us a boost sometimes.

[Tegan (Slant Postscripts) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would be 4 stars but for the inclusion of zoo elephant rides, which is obviously a product of its time but can’t be ignored. The premise of the shadow is very sweet though and it could probably be easily self-edited to preclude the riding without jeopardising the story’s essence.

Goober as an elephant name is 10/10 🐘

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 3 out of 5]

We love Jack Kent. Squirt read this to his Papa.

[Cws]

JEAR3-Ken

[Kimberly Maughon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book about an elephant who loves his shadow. and gets so upset when he thinks he loses it.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my childhood favorites.

[Kristen Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good when talking about shadows and the sun.