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Poo in the Zoo!
“There was tiger poo, lion poo, prickly porcupine poo, Plummeting giraffe poop that landed with a splat. Dollops of gnu poo, bouncy kangaroo poo, A trail of drippy droppings from a fat wombat!” Zoo Keeper Bob is exhausted. There’s too much poo in the zoo – and he’s the one who has to scoop it up. Then one day, a mysterious glowing poo appears! Could it be alien poop from outer space? And what on EARTH will Bob do with it? Perfect for fans of The Dinosaur who Pooped Christmas, children will laugh out loud at this gloriously funny, poopy picture book! Packed with humour, the romping rhyme and deliciously cheeky wordplay is a joy to read aloud. From the author of Dragon Stew, Steve Smallman and illustrator, Ada Grey (Shh! Don't Wake the Royal Baby).
Hardcover
First published July 6, 2015
28 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Steve Smallman
931 books73 followersSteve Smallman lives in Staffordshire with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He has four children and a grandchild. Steve has been illustrating children’s books for almost 30 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV's Bookaboo). When he’s not working, Steve enjoys films, television, gardening and walking in the countryside.
Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:
I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.
I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.
I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.
I've been writing children's books for about 6 years and have already had several picture books published with more in development.
I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing.
Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:
I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.
I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.
I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.
I've been writing children's books for about 6 years and have already had several picture books published with more in development.
I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 17, 2015
A thinly veiled Marxist critique, Smallman's message is an absurdist twist on the premise: "If only I could sell poo for a ridiculous amount of money, I would be set for life." The final spread shows the protagonist finally free from labor through his miraculous sale, with the labor now performed through technology. Ada Grey's happy cartoon animal figures are on the supply side of this economy, and join the idle rich lounging in deck chairs and eating super-sized junk food. (It could also be a psychological allegory about eBay, Craigslist, and Antiques Roadshow: Don't we all deeply wish we could strike it rich by selling our crap to other people?)
August 21, 2022
The two year old enjoyed it? The rhymes were fun? The two year old had fun pointing out the animals to me? However, not many fun voices for me to put on, and both me and the two year old were completely apathetic towards our protagonist Bob.
October 11, 2018
I found this book rather enjoyable to read - it had some funny moments! The rhyme is great and the rhythm really helps the story to flow! I just know that any child is going to enjoy reading or listening to the book as which child doesn’t like poo?!
If you wanted to take this book further, children could use the rhyme and rhythm as an example to create their own piece. Additionally, you could look into all the animals and perhaps even explore some of the types of ‘poo’ that are mentioned in the book. How are they similar, how are they different? Why is this?
If you wanted to take this book further, children could use the rhyme and rhythm as an example to create their own piece. Additionally, you could look into all the animals and perhaps even explore some of the types of ‘poo’ that are mentioned in the book. How are they similar, how are they different? Why is this?
August 25, 2023
I have never written a children's book review, I've also never laughed so hard at a children's book.
This ended up in our library pile. After chasing two toddlers around the library, there's usually an element of surprise in our take home pile.
This is a rhyming book about animal poop. Our two year old son isn't quite old enough to comprehend what's happening in a book. However, my husband and I were in tears laughing at this book.
5 stars because I have never laughed so hard at a children's book. And we'll probably read this to a few adults for a good laugh before returning it to the library!
This ended up in our library pile. After chasing two toddlers around the library, there's usually an element of surprise in our take home pile.
This is a rhyming book about animal poop. Our two year old son isn't quite old enough to comprehend what's happening in a book. However, my husband and I were in tears laughing at this book.
5 stars because I have never laughed so hard at a children's book. And we'll probably read this to a few adults for a good laugh before returning it to the library!
September 17, 2023
No niin, tää on taas näitä. Miksihän dinot ja kakkajutut tuntuu lastenkirjoissa sopivan niin hyvin yhteen? Aikuisille tämä ei niin napannut eikä ollut edes kovin hauska, mutta 3,5-vuotiaalle meni täydestä. Kirjassa eläintarhanpitäjä Paavo ja kakankeräilijä Herra Pikkarainen (huom., rimmaa kikkaraisen kanssa) matkustelevat ympäriinsä keräilemässä eri eläinten kakkaa, kunnes lopulta löytyy kakannäköinen dinosaurus. Jep, kunnon wtf-tarina, jonka riimejä lapsi tulee toistelemaan eri yhteyksissä hamaan tulevaisuuteen.
October 21, 2019
A pleasant and easy read with KS1 children since all children find poo hilarious. The rhyme and rhythm mean that children could read this independently too.
March 8, 2024
Hella quirky to begin with, but so cute at the end!
July 6, 2024
A funny book set in one of our favourite places. And it's all about poo - Sophia's favourite word at the moment! A nice book, but I think it'll take me some time to crack the rhyming patterns.
February 14, 2016
I am normally not one to read books about poo, or boogers, I also have my limits. But this book really sparked my interest, it seemed fun. Even though it caused my boyfriend to stare at me like I am weird. :D
This book is about a man working at a zoo, he is the one who cleans up all the poos, the doo-doos and the icky bleh things that animals drop around. And man, do those animals drop their poo around. At times I wondered if this was a zoo, or just a place for animals to run around freely, because there was poo EVERYWHERE. Really, EVERYWHERE. In the enclosures, out of the enclosures, everywhere! I wouldn't even want to go to that zoo, it was that disgusting.
I did love what happened to the lizard, and what happened after that part. I cannot imagine though riding around in that kind of cart, or even having to do tours through it. ICK. But to each their own. :) But it gave our zoo keeper a great option, and the ending was, as expected, cute and sweet.
All in all, I must say I enjoyed this book a lot. It was disgusting at times, but it was also great fun. The illustrations also really helped, as I loved how stuff was drawn (not the poo though, but the animals and the characters). The colours are just perfect and matched the whole story. (A few times I have seen books use bright colours when that totally didn't fit, so yay, for books doing the right thing.)
I would recommend this book, I am sure kids will love it.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This book is about a man working at a zoo, he is the one who cleans up all the poos, the doo-doos and the icky bleh things that animals drop around. And man, do those animals drop their poo around. At times I wondered if this was a zoo, or just a place for animals to run around freely, because there was poo EVERYWHERE. Really, EVERYWHERE. In the enclosures, out of the enclosures, everywhere! I wouldn't even want to go to that zoo, it was that disgusting.
I did love what happened to the lizard, and what happened after that part. I cannot imagine though riding around in that kind of cart, or even having to do tours through it. ICK. But to each their own. :) But it gave our zoo keeper a great option, and the ending was, as expected, cute and sweet.
All in all, I must say I enjoyed this book a lot. It was disgusting at times, but it was also great fun. The illustrations also really helped, as I loved how stuff was drawn (not the poo though, but the animals and the characters). The colours are just perfect and matched the whole story. (A few times I have seen books use bright colours when that totally didn't fit, so yay, for books doing the right thing.)
I would recommend this book, I am sure kids will love it.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 30, 2015
This is an absolutely hilarious read which will appeal to younger readers because there is poo everywhere in the brightly coloured pages. Literally. I liked how the zoo keeper, who I expected would be older looks rather young, making it easier for the readership the book is aimed at to pretend they are taking care of the zoo.
The twist at the end was unexpected and made me smile (although I did wonder how long it would be before the solution to cleaning all the poo would go wrong). Readers are introduced to a variety of animals, and on the inside pages there's different types of poo in jars (various shapes and sizes) which is interesting to see and teaches readers animals are not all the same. There are some extinct animals' poo thrown into the mix too.
I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
The twist at the end was unexpected and made me smile (although I did wonder how long it would be before the solution to cleaning all the poo would go wrong). Readers are introduced to a variety of animals, and on the inside pages there's different types of poo in jars (various shapes and sizes) which is interesting to see and teaches readers animals are not all the same. There are some extinct animals' poo thrown into the mix too.
I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
December 15, 2015
Zookeeper Bob McGrew loves everything about his job…except the vast quantities of poo! Tiger, porcupine, gnu, wombat, bat, panda---all the zoo animals pooing everywhere! Fortunately, there turns out to be a (poo-inspired, of course) solution. Excellent, cheery illustrations and a non-annoying rhyme (and the subject matter!) make this a great choice for story time.
July 30, 2016
The title says it all and my kids loved it!
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August 26, 2024I felt like yelling at the zookeeper "Don't go in there!". I don't know, I guess I just don't trust pop-up poop museums.
June 8, 2024
"Poo in The Zoo" has been a steadfast favorite in our household since I first started reading it to my 3-year-old, who is now 6. This whimsical tale of a mischievous little dachshund named Douglas never fails to bring joy and laughter to our reading sessions.
From the colorful illustrations to the catchy rhymes, every aspect of this book is designed to captivate young readers. Even as my child has grown older, "Poo in The Zoo" continues to hold his attention with its humor and charm.
What makes this book truly special is its ability to spark imagination and creativity. We often find ourselves imagining what other adventures Douglas might embark on or what mischief he might get into next. It's a story that invites participation and engagement, making it perfect for interactive reading sessions.
"Poo in The Zoo" has become a beloved part of our reading routine, cherished for its timeless appeal and ability to bring smiles to our faces. Whether your child is 3 or 6, this book is sure to delight and entertain. Highly recommended for families looking for a fun and lighthearted read to enjoy together.
From the colorful illustrations to the catchy rhymes, every aspect of this book is designed to captivate young readers. Even as my child has grown older, "Poo in The Zoo" continues to hold his attention with its humor and charm.
What makes this book truly special is its ability to spark imagination and creativity. We often find ourselves imagining what other adventures Douglas might embark on or what mischief he might get into next. It's a story that invites participation and engagement, making it perfect for interactive reading sessions.
"Poo in The Zoo" has become a beloved part of our reading routine, cherished for its timeless appeal and ability to bring smiles to our faces. Whether your child is 3 or 6, this book is sure to delight and entertain. Highly recommended for families looking for a fun and lighthearted read to enjoy together.
October 10, 2018
Cute book. I used to read books aloud to little kids a couple of times per week at library storytime, and I would have read this aloud at least once. It was suggested to me by a children's librarian, in fact. I was most fascinated by the end papers, which are illustrations of various kinds of poo in fancy jars, all labeled. I know, that sounds gross, but it was actually cute. The labels were things like "brachiosaurus" and "mouse poo" and "griffin doo-doo." I know when I was a little kid I would have 1) loved making an adult read those words aloud and 2) loved exploring all the intricate jars and names.
March 26, 2019
"There was tiger poo, lion poo, prickly porcupine poo,
Plummeting giraffe poop that landed with a splat.
Dollops of gnu poo, bouncy kangaroo poo,
A trail of drippy droppings from a fat wombat!"
Zoo Keeper Bob is exhausted. There's too much poo in the zoo - and he's the one who has to scoop it up. Then one day, a mysterious glowing poo appears! Could it be alien poop from outer space? And what on EARTH will Bob do with it?
Perfect for fans of The Dinosaur who Pooped Christmas , children will laugh out loud at this gloriously poopy, funny picture book! Packed with humour, the romping rhyme and deliciously cheeky wordplay is a joy to read aloud.
Plummeting giraffe poop that landed with a splat.
Dollops of gnu poo, bouncy kangaroo poo,
A trail of drippy droppings from a fat wombat!"
Zoo Keeper Bob is exhausted. There's too much poo in the zoo - and he's the one who has to scoop it up. Then one day, a mysterious glowing poo appears! Could it be alien poop from outer space? And what on EARTH will Bob do with it?
Perfect for fans of The Dinosaur who Pooped Christmas , children will laugh out loud at this gloriously poopy, funny picture book! Packed with humour, the romping rhyme and deliciously cheeky wordplay is a joy to read aloud.
November 10, 2021
This is a really funny book to for young children. It has lots of rhythm and rhyme, perfect for children who are practising their phonics sounds as the repetition allows for them to be exposed to the same phoneme repeatedly. I particularly liked the the way the author uses a range of animals and matching illustrations, perfect for introducing unfamiliar animals to the children, and seeing if children ca spot the ones they do know. Lastly, the book is great for younger children who are learning about bodily functions or even toddlers who are toilet training.
March 7, 2024
This was a sleeper hit!! The kids had a vague idea of what a zoo is, but they didn't know having a zoo is a lot of work. As it is with most kids, mine loved talking about the poo - the more TMI-ish & more gross it is, the more hilarious they find it!! Well, but they really liked Bob Mcgrew and they found the greedy Iguana about crazy and hysterically funny for eating so much food in a go, so we ended up talking about it for days. Well, we still do, Poo in the Zoo isn't getting old in our house anytime soon!
October 29, 2019
It is not very often that I find a picture book that I just absolutely don't like. But this was one of them.
1--why poop??? 2--a poo collection, really???
It would be one thing to talk about animal scat in a way that helps us better understand the creatures themselves. But this I just silly and felt kind of a pointless reason to just say poop.
1--why poop??? 2--a poo collection, really???
It would be one thing to talk about animal scat in a way that helps us better understand the creatures themselves. But this I just silly and felt kind of a pointless reason to just say poop.
November 25, 2020
Poo in the Zoo is suitable for children aged 5 plus as the pictures were too busy for 2 year olds as I requested. Unfortunately I have already paid for it and not sure if/how I can return it from Kindle!
Also the pictures are too busy to totally engage a child of two! Do you have any sensible suggestions please?
Also the pictures are too busy to totally engage a child of two! Do you have any sensible suggestions please?
August 6, 2025
I liked every part of the book when there was poo everywhere around the zoo and they also wear it as a song 🎧 that I made a poop by myself, the book was very very very, very, very good and ending was great. I saw the collections of poo and poo looks very good and it was not stinky because it was just a book. That’s why
February 5, 2021
The rhyme scheme might take me a few read through to get used to, but I did enjoy the silly accents that you need to use in order to rhyme words like "saw" and "galore."
Kids will think this book is hilarious, but the picture of the iguana's "Uh oh!" face is going to give me nightmares. XD
Kids will think this book is hilarious, but the picture of the iguana's "Uh oh!" face is going to give me nightmares. XD
May 16, 2022
This book was great inspiration for a writing session with reception.
It linked to the children’s phonics learning of the oo digraph which was a bonus.
Children loved getting involved with the book and what’s more exciting for a 4 year old than writing about poo
It linked to the children’s phonics learning of the oo digraph which was a bonus.
Children loved getting involved with the book and what’s more exciting for a 4 year old than writing about poo
January 27, 2023
The zookeeper and the animals travel in a poo machine to an island to pick up poo. Kids loved the story rhyme and the different kind of poo in islands and underwater and dinosaur poo, too. And what they bring home from their travels is lots of fun to find at the end.
March 23, 2017
On the plus side, kids find books about poo hilarious and the story is entertaining. On the minus side, inconsistent rhyming makes this book lack rhythm and it hard to read for story time. Might be good for a solo reader, but I would not recommend for teachers or librarians. The inconsistent rhyme doesn't flow well.
July 9, 2017
About little Bob McGrew who is a keeper at the zoo, this book is hilarious to little people and big people alike! Full of animals and their doo-doo's this is a favourite at our place :)
February 27, 2018
A really fun and silly book that is sure to get kids laughing in storytime.
October 22, 2018
My grandson absolutely loved this book. Very amusing and totally entertaining. The rhyming scheme worked very well.
December 29, 2018
Bizarre and also makes out that zoos are happy places for the animals.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews