The Zoo: The Inside Story

by Jawnie Payne, Neon Squid, Susan Deming (illustrator)

Find out what goes on behind the scenes at a zoo in this illustrated nonfiction story by zookeeper and TikTok sensation Jawnie Payne.

This gentle story is a perfect gift for kids who love animals or are going on a trip to the zoo. It follows the exploits of several characters over the course of a busy day–including zookeepers, a school trip, and some very mischievous animals! Along the way readers will discover how the creatures are fed and kept entertained, as well as what goes on once the zoo shuts for the day!

Stunning illustrations by Susan Deming bring the world of a zoo to life–from the big cat enclosure to the penguin pool–with plenty of things to spot in the illustrations for eagle-eyed listeners.

By the end of the book kids will have a newfound respect for all of the work that goes on to make every zoo experience memorable.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

64 pages, Hardcover

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Amanda Kerschen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The Zoo: The Inside Story* is an absolute delight—an engaging, informative, and immersive audiobook that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating world of zoos. Jawnie Payne does a fantastic job covering a wide range of topics, from the daily routines of zookeepers and security guards to the careful planning of animal diets, enrichment activities, and conservation efforts for endangered species. The writing strikes the perfect balance—educational yet accessible, never talking down to young listeners while keeping the content lively and engaging.

The production quality elevates the experience even further. The narrator’s warm and expressive delivery makes the material feel even more engaging, while subtle sound effects and music add a layer of fun without overwhelming the storytelling. This audiobook doesn’t just teach—it brings the zoo to life in a way that will captivate animal-loving kids (and even curious adults!).

I’d give this **5 out of 5 stars** without hesitation. It’s a wonderful choice for elementary-aged listeners who are passionate about animals or anyone who enjoys well-crafted nonfiction. Highly recommended! My thanks to **NetGalley** and **MacMillan Audio** for the advanced listener copy.

[Christina Getrost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nonfiction picture book story about what it's like to be a zookeeper. Follows several zoo staffers and volunteers as they go through a typical day at the zoo, from the morning staff meeting to cleaning the enclosures, preparing animals' food, vet checks, shifting animals in and out of exhibit areas preparing for the weather, and so forth. Visitors are also characters, so there are a couple of small scenes with kids interacting with animal ambassadors and their handlers, and school classes visiting, etc. There's a lot of information given in bite-size segments, such as the various levels of endangerment for species, zoo fundraising, how animals become ambassadors, etc. Includes glossary of terms and an index. Cheeky colorful illustrations, cartoony but realistic, if that makes sense. Cute. I learned a new term from this book: "Presenting paw" (when a big cat is trained to hold their paw up to the bars of their habitat so that staff can examine it and give a shot or take samples or do other medical stuff. I've seen it done but never heard it phrased that way before. Although also, it said lions are trained to put their tail up close to the bars, and staff give them shots there. Didn't know that either!).

[Jeanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Macmillan audio for the gifted copy!

Another incredibly well done audiobook from Macmillion Audio. I enjoyed the story, which explored many aspects of the zoo. The audiobook was engaging with the variation in inflection and background sounds adding to the experience. The narration was clear yet also fun and I’m sure we’ll be entertaining for little ones and adult to listen to alike. I especially enjoy children’s audiobooks that are a little longer and at approximately 45 minutes this is perfect so that my kids can enjoy one full story while running errands. This is another book that I want to grab physical copy as I’m sure the illustrations help demonstrate all that I learned about the zoo.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.

What a great book for anyone-especially a kid- who loves zoos! This book goes into all the things that happen in a day at a zoo, not just what zookeepers do but the gardeners, vets and other staff too. So much happens behind the scenes and this book highlights just that.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book that gives an overview of all the different jobs at a zoo, what goes into caring for animals at a zoo, and the role zoos play in conservation. I thought it was a great book for kids who love animals and the zoo.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Young Listeners for an early copy.

[Elizabeth Sheeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was really cute! Lots of information, and the art was adorable. I do think it could have maybe used another pass by an editor, though