This Zoo is Not for You

by Ross Collins

Winner of a Teach Early Years Award 2018 Nominated for the 2019 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal Longlisted for the 2018 North Somerset Teachers' Book Awards When a small platypus visits the zoo, the animals all assume he has come about the vacancy and he is swiftly taken through a rigorous interview process. But the platypus is far too bland for the chameleons, not nearly graceful enough for the flamingos, and his tricks will never impress the monkeys. So, he leaves. The animals soon regret being so unkind, but . . . what's this? The platypus has left an invitation! Oh dear - it seems he had actually come to the zoo to invite them all to his party. Uh-oh! But with all forgiven and forgotten, the platypus welcomes his new zoo friends to a fantastic party on his Platypus! This rollicking rhyming picture book, from the award-winning creator of There's a Bear on My Chair , combines comic misunderstandings with a heartfelt story about acceptance and belonging. "There's a touch of Tim Minchin about Collins . . . his tone is funny but heartfelt and a little bit rock'n'roll" - The Guardian "...a wonderfully funny animal rhyme with a gentle message of inclusion and acceptance." - The Bookseller Children's Previews "Author and illustrator Ross Collins won over a legion of fans with his very funny rhyming story, There's a Bear on My Chair , and his latest picture book, This Zoo is Not for You , is an equal delight. Again proving his knack with rhyming couplets it's got all the catchy, funny repetition of a bedtime favourite... Beyond the humour it's a really touching story about tolerance, acceptance and welcoming strangers at its heart." - Waterstones (blog) "This book is a joy to read! The rhyme scheme works perfectly, rolling off the tongue, whilst a playful sense of humour brings joy to every page.... The illustrations are brilliantly composed and there's plenty to spot on repeat visits too." - Teach Early Years Awards "The rhyming text bounces along, making the story great to read aloud and create lots of voices for each animal. The illustrations are full of humour... A fabulous story for everyone to enjoy." - North Somerset Teachers' Book Award

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Friendship, Humor, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 3, 2017

About the author

Ross was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1972.
He would eat anything and resembled a currant bun.

As he grew up he was fond of drawing, the Bionic Man and precariously swinging backwards on chairs.

He graduated from the Glasgow School of Art in 1994 with a First in Illustration. In the same year he won the MacMillan Children's Book Prize an achievement that opened many doors in the Big Smoke.

Ross then spent two years in London cultivating an exotic image of the scribbling Scotsman abroad.

Longing for the cold and damp of the North, Ross returned to Glasgow, where he spends his time writing and illustrating children's books, doing animation character development, walking the dug by the banks of Loch Lomond and precariously swinging backwards on chairs.

from http://www.rosscollins.net/whothisguy...

Reviews

[Manny · Rating 2 out of 5]

A platypus visits a zoo, apparently hoping for employment, and is rebuffed by one animal after another in cold-hearted and exceptionally badly constructed rhyming couplets. When he has left, they are surprised to find that they have received an invitation from the scorned monotreme. They swallow their pride, turn up at the indicated address, and find they're at the best party of their lives.

Some people may think this little tale refers to the life of Jesus Christ, but I prefer the theory that it is about the relationship between Australia and the rest of the world.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a humble platypus presents himself at the zoo on the day they are holding interviews, all of the animal residents assume he has come to apply to join them. Each one, from the panda to the flamingo, finds him wanting in some way, assuring him that this is not the zoo for him. Imagine their surprise when they discover that the platypus isn't interested in joining them at all...

Like the earlier There's a Bear on My Chair - the only other title I have read from British author/illustrator Ross Collins - This Zoo Is Not For You pairs an entertaining tale told in rhyme with bright, colorful artwork that captures the sense of fun to be found in the text. The conclusion is sweet, demonstrating that the zoo animals' snobbery was, in addition to being discourteous, quite presumptuous as well. Recommended to young animal lovers, to anyone looking for picture-books in rhyme, and to those interested in children's stories about assumptions, snobbery, and learning to become friends.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the idea of this, and the rhyming is fun, but I think the intention of the zoo animals' apology is lost a little in the excitement of the platypus's party at the end. It almost feels like they're only apologizing because of the invitation.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter and I really enjoyed the banter among the animals and the illustrations, as well as the animals coming to realize they were being jerks. But then instead of the story coming to a point, the author made a joke; then we were confused.

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't help feeling that these animals ended up accepting this poor platypus solely on his party throwing skills, and not because they actually saw the error of their ways.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this while browsing in Waterstones yesterday. The illustrations are adorable and I really liked the story - it has a great message without being too heavy-handed about it. I think little kids would really like this too as the rhyming makes it quite memorable!

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending fell flat for me.

But the illustrations throughout are fabulous.

[Ruby Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Ross Collins' work and 'This zoo is not for you' again captures the cruelty associated with discriminating due to unique differences.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rhyming text and fun pictures follow a platypus as he makes his was through the zoo. The zoo animals think he's there to apply to join their zoo and they are incredibly rude to him. Eventually, they realize that he was there for an entirely different reason. I found some of the rhymes to be awkward and the whole story to be just meh.

[Breanna Prokop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
Animals of the zoo get a surprise visit from a Platypus. The animals thought he was there because he heard about the opening for a new animal. So they rush him in to an interview from some of the different animals. They all criticize him and said that he is not a good fit and doesn’t meet the requirements. That wasn’t the real reason why he went to the zoo in the first place, he went there to invite all the animals to his super cool disco party.

Activity:
If you were a Platypus throwing a party, draw the perfect party atmosphere. This drawing should include the layout of your party, what’s all going to happen at your party, and what all animals are invited. After they are finished with that, they will partner up with someone and share their ideas with them. Having a conversation with another classmate, they will be able to compare their party to their partners and come up with one super big party to throw together and it be the best party yet.

Citation (APA): Collins, R. (2018). This Zoo is Not for You. Somerville, MA: Nosy Crow, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

[Sue Winson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little-AJ loves animals. Hence it's not surprising that he likes this book. Mummy loves reading it too because the texts rhyme, and I get to use my haughty, snobbish and sneering voice for the first half of the book (which is a great, fun read).

Platypus is a duck-billed unique-looking creature. It is an iconic symbol of Australia, but it probably has not achieved similar standing in other continents. Platypus went to the zoo to extend his invitation to the other animals for a disco party in his super- cool platybus, but was wrongly assumed to be a candidate to join the zoo.

Poor platypus was harshly ushered into different interview sessions with the stars of the zoo, without being given much chance to explain the true purpose of his visit. Famous panda didn't see much in him, elegant flamingoes thought he looked more like a "worn-out shoe", the monkeys threw poo at him (little-AJ giggled, probably just discovered a new use for poo).

Platypus stormed out of the zoo grumpily after the ill-treatment. The arrogant animals paused and reflected upon their behavior. The story ended with apologies from the animals, and a sweet forgiveness from the platypus. I love the last double-pages of party scene: water slides, star-shaped sunglasses, platypus DJ, fancy cocktails with paper sunshades and straws, hammock and wooden bathtub.

This is a fun book to read. The only imperfection: the animals didn't seem to have realized the uniqueness of a platypus and its potential of becoming a valuable member of a zoo, even at the end of the story.

Blog review: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The overarching message of this text is a powerful one. The zoo animals assume the platypus has arrived for an interview, and all proceed to highlight differences as to why the platypus does not fit in with their species. From page to page the platypus is sent away, the differences are unique to the different species of animals, from the monkeys all having tricks to the elephants being much larger. The platypus, however, is aware of these differences and understands that it is okay to be different, and was only visiting the zoo to invite the animals to his party. The zoo animals feel very ashamed and come to the party to apologise. Finally, the animals put aside their differences and party. This message appeals to the reader to understand that differences happen, that is what makes everyone who they are, but you can all still be friends.

The use of rhyming couplets flows throughout the book, the rhyming continues with each different character(s) we meet in the zoo. The fun language and repetitive nature of the next would really appeal and engages young readers.

The bold illustrations really stand out from the block coloured backgrounds, while the soft, sketch-like outlines create a realistic feel. The vivid illustrations in this book support and extends the text throughout. The animals the platypus encounters along they are all portrayed as strong characters, the body language depicted is clear and telling for the audience. The facial expressions reflect the animal(s) responses to the platypus, and so children who find the language difficult will easily be able to access and enjoy this book.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collins, Ross This Zoo is Not For You. PICTURE BOOK Nosy Crow (Candlewick), 2017. $17. 9781536200157

A platypus with an invitation shows up at the zoo, where the front gate is advertising for interviews. As the platypus makes his way through the zoo and is interviewed by the different animals, they decide that he isn't going to be a good fit for their zoo for various reasons mostly regarding his appearance. When the platypus leaves, the monkey finds his invitation and the animals realize their mistake: that really the platypus had come to invite them to a party. The animals join the platypus in his party bus with all his friends, where the platypus quickly forgives the zoo animals.

This is a great book for many reasons, not the least is that Ross Collins is a great author/illustrator-I love There's a Bear in My Chair. First, the illustrations are fantastic. I loved the body language and facial expressions of the animals. Second, it makes for a great read aloud because of the rhyming text which has a sing-song rhythm. And third, what a great lesson about not judging someone for their appearances and their intentions.

EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Nova Wassmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a platypus who sees an open application at a zoo. He goes through interviews with all the animals who rudely turn him away. Once he leaves, they realize how mean they were to him and rush to apologize. They come to understand that they should not have judged him so quickly. This ties well with my theme of having a desire because the platypus was determined to achieve his dreams and desires of befriending the other zoo animals. He continued to reach out even when they turned him down time after time. Looking back at our reading of Moebius’s picture codes we see that he talks about position and size. The platypus is a smaller creature and the author certainly plays on that by having him interview with animals greatly larger than him, possibly showing the message they are sending to him that they are bigger and better so they don’t want anything to do with him. This can even correlate with dealing with people in society. Sometimes we will encounter someone who will stand over and try to intimate us and show they are “in charge” but that is not the case. I found it interesting that the author chose larger animals for him to encounter when trying to interview at the zoo.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone assumes that they know what the platypus wants, they are hiring for a position in the zoo so he must be an applicant right? The tiger directs him to the panda who tells him how and why he doesn't qualify, the flamingoes think he lacks panache, the chameleons feel he lacks color and the monkeys know he's not a good fit if he can't do tricks. They send him on his way, until they see the envelope that he left behind. Their assumptions are all wrong! They follow the note and find their new friend.

The illustrations are bright and colorful with facial expressions that accurately depict the feeling of each animal on the page. The story is told in funny couplet rhyme that brings a smile to the reader's face. The main theme is an important one, don't make hasty judgements; you may be cheating yourself as much or more than the person you judge. A secondary theme, don't assume you know what someone else wants, is also a valuable life lesson. This is an enchanting little story.

[Maria Martins · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a platypus walks into a zoo, all the animals assume that he is here for the zoo interviews. They immediately look for the differences between both of them in order to isolate and get rid of the platypus. However, by the end of the book, they realise that the platypus never wanted to be apart of the zoo in the first place and instead wanted to invite them to his party. The animals thus realise that their words were unkind and their assumptions were wrong. They go to apologise to the platypus and they party together.

This was a really interesting story, showing us how a lot of people react to those who seem different. We all make assumptions, however, this books teaches us that our assumptions and the truth can be polar opposites. It is never right to judge someone based on their differences without getting to know them first. This book teaches a powerful lesson on prejudices and how though we are all different, we are all deserving of friendship.

[Diya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Large, bright, colourful pages and the story in verse is a definite plus. It is about a group of presumptuous zoo animals who look down upon a deceptively simple looking platypus.

It prompted some discussions with my toddler about humility, about accepting people who are different and about being kind even when people don't look, think or act like us.

I do wish the monkey page had focused on abilities aside from poo-flinging because who wants to give a toddler that idea! I'm also not entirely certain what caused the sudden about face of the other zoo animals and the party invite seemed like a convenient additional incentive to apologise. So while I am a bit iffy about that party bus ending I do appreciate that it broached some sensitive topics and encouraged conversations on the subject.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read

Assumptions, being unkind, and second chances ... all in an amusing rhyming book with simple, text in large font.

Quite a few reviewers here find the ending confusing, but I'm not sure why ... A platypus arrives at a zoo. The zoo animals assume that the platypus wants to join the zoo and are snooty to him. After he leaves, the zoo animals regret their unkindness. They sheepishly go up to him to apologise for their behaviour. Turns out the platypus had gone to the zoo to invite everyone to his party but the animals were too busy being rude to realise. The platypus forgives them and they all party together.

Review of the smallest member of the household: "It was hilarious!"

[Ellianna Holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Zoo is Not for You, By Ross Collins, is a story about a platypus walking into a zoo. The other animals think he must be there for an interview to join the zoo. They ask him what he can do, but because he can not do any tricks they tell him that the zoo isn't for him. Once the platypus leaves the animals realize that he might not have come to join the zoo and might have judged too soon.

I think this book is very well written and great for younger children. The meaning behind it, is do not judge someone if you do not know the whole story, which I think is something everyone needs to be reminded of. The book is colorful and the artist did a great job conveying the feelings of the characters.

I would use this book in language therapy with a client who might struggle with understanding feelings. For example, when the platypus is rejected I might ask the client what he thinks the platypus is feeling. I can also ask the client what he thinks about the other animals and their feelings once they realize they judged the platypus too early.

[Christina Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is an opening at the zoo - when platypus arrives each animal interviews him before informing him that this zoo is not for him because he is too different from them. Only when they meet up after rejecting him do they begin to consider that they are all different from each other, but that makes the zoo better, not worse. The ending is a bit strange, but the book sends a positive message about diversity and could be used in primary classrooms to start a discussion about difference and understanding.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like picture books that contain harder words. After all, they certainly increase a child's vocabulary. In this book, a platypus was invited to join the zoo....or so he thought. But every animal he encounters has a reason why he should not be there.

This book tackles bullying and people's differences in a subtle way. And the animals are fun. Sure enough, 'This Zoo is Not For You" did offer opportunities to introduce new words!

It worked okay in my storytimes (Kids didn't get the "party bus/ platybus" reference at the end....by the teachers did)

[Bailey]

This Zoo in Not for You tells about the story of a platypus who goes to the zoo. All the other animals think he is wanting to be a part of the zoo but gives reason why the platypus would do no good at the zoo. Little do they know that the platypus is there for a different reason.
This book is a great rhyming story. The plot was interesting and kept me wondering until the very end.
This book would be great in a classroom for rhyming purposes. But also is a great story about overcoming bullying or not being a bully. Don't judge a book (or animal) by its cover.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A platypus wanders into a zoo that is accepting applications for a new animal. All the current animals find something wrong the platypus and tell him that he would not fit in at their zoo. He finally leaves (in a bit of a righteous huff) leaving behind an envelope. When the animals open it, they discover that he had no intention of joining their zoo, he was their for an entirely different purpose.

Illustrations are good.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little story about inclusiveness and forgiveness. Misunderstanding leads to rejection of a platypus at a zoo. The animals think he's applying for a position at their zoo, but think he doesn't fit in as he's not like each group who interviews him. THEN they find the invitation.... Fun story and great illustrations make this a good one for story times!

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book starts off nicely and then it appears as though Collins loses his way somewhat and remembers it’s meant to be a children’s book with morals (and a happy ending). So he chucks in 6 pages with no words to confuddle the reader and then turns the premise of the book on its head and ends it abruptly. Very confusing for adults and young minds alike.

[Mama Bearian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A platypus gets roped into interviewing to join the zoo when he shows up the day of interviews. The other animals are unkind, pointing out their own special qualities and his “boring” ones. It isn’t until after he leaves that they realize they’ve made a mistake, and should have been nicer. It is a nice rhyming text with good illustrations and an important message.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

When platypus visits the zoo, the animals interview him for a vacancy. But each shares their special traits and sends him away with a "This zoo is not for you." But then they feel a little bad...until the monkey realizes he was inviting them to a party! "This platybus is for all of us"

In rhyme.

[Aagje · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is an opening at the zoo for a new animal. Platypus gets interviewed and rejected by all the zoo animals, but is that really why the platypus came to the zoo in the first place?
Wonderful illustrations, great story, and funny to read with different voices. Really enjoyed reading this to my little niece.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Platypus, just wants to find a zoo where he is welcome and fits in. And as to be expected, many of the other animals aren't quite ready for that. What will the poor platypus do? I good read for anyone who is trying to find their place.

[BrookesEducationLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amusing real-aloud picture book about a platypus who visits a zoo and is judged most unkindly by the 'star' animals who wrongly believe him to be looking for a home there. An important message about first impressions and judging people before getting to know them.