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Daniel Daniels and the World’s Worst Zoo
Daniel Daniels spends most of his time doing one of two things:
1. Avoiding the school bully, or
2. Hanging out with his animal friends.
Unfortunately, Daniel's animal friends all live at The World's Worst Zoo, run by the cruel and crabby Mr Gregory.
One day, an unfortunate incident with some ointment at the zoo leaves Daniel with a few special tricks up his sleeve—tricks that he can use to save the animals, and teach Mr Gregory a lesson.
Curious, witty and sweet, this adventurous chapter book will charm and thrill the young and the young-at-heart!
1. Avoiding the school bully, or
2. Hanging out with his animal friends.
Unfortunately, Daniel's animal friends all live at The World's Worst Zoo, run by the cruel and crabby Mr Gregory.
One day, an unfortunate incident with some ointment at the zoo leaves Daniel with a few special tricks up his sleeve—tricks that he can use to save the animals, and teach Mr Gregory a lesson.
Curious, witty and sweet, this adventurous chapter book will charm and thrill the young and the young-at-heart!
86 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2018
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Robbie Yates
6 books7 followersRobbie Yates is an author based in the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia. He enjoys drawing, the crunch of autumn leaves, and eating tasty snacks from his childhood.
In his free time, Robbie likes to read the stories of Roald Dahl, Paul Jennings and J.K. Rowling. Robbie also likes to go geocaching, play board games, and have water-balloon fights.
You can learn more about Robbie Yates and his writing by joining the Mailing List, visiting Robbie's website, or by following Robbie on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
In his free time, Robbie likes to read the stories of Roald Dahl, Paul Jennings and J.K. Rowling. Robbie also likes to go geocaching, play board games, and have water-balloon fights.
You can learn more about Robbie Yates and his writing by joining the Mailing List, visiting Robbie's website, or by following Robbie on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 2, 2018
This is one of the cutest children’s books I have read in the last few years. Robbie Yates has done a fabulous job in weaving an underlying theme of goodness in this book. A moral core when explained in simple terms is always well understood and applied. And who better than our children!!
Daniel Daniels, the protagonist is characterized well as a child who is bullied in school, who has learnt the tricks to escape such bullies (most of the times) and sometimes tolerate them but still has this intense love for animals. The worst zoo has the most patient animals ill treated by the owner. Life continues as routine, till clumsy hands cause an accident, and Daniel gets strange powers. What he does next and how he saves the animals is all to be read in the book.
Robbie Yates is both a writer and a poet, and he has incorporated these cute poems sung by the animals. The world Robbie has visualized in his mind comes through colorfully in his words. The protagonist, the animals, and the zoo owner are all distinctive and they uplift the book in wonderful ways. I especially liked the characterization of the ill treating zoo owner
What entranced me in the book is Shiba the elephant, wisest of all. I loved her (I must confess I love elephants). What I didn’t like was Daniel Daniels’ first transformation; that could have been better.
On the whole, a great book for the kids. Recommended for ages 8 to 12. A simplified version and lots of art work, this would make a great picture book for younger kids. This book would also make a great audiobook with different voices and songs which would entertain the kids.
Daniel Daniels, the protagonist is characterized well as a child who is bullied in school, who has learnt the tricks to escape such bullies (most of the times) and sometimes tolerate them but still has this intense love for animals. The worst zoo has the most patient animals ill treated by the owner. Life continues as routine, till clumsy hands cause an accident, and Daniel gets strange powers. What he does next and how he saves the animals is all to be read in the book.
Robbie Yates is both a writer and a poet, and he has incorporated these cute poems sung by the animals. The world Robbie has visualized in his mind comes through colorfully in his words. The protagonist, the animals, and the zoo owner are all distinctive and they uplift the book in wonderful ways. I especially liked the characterization of the ill treating zoo owner
What entranced me in the book is Shiba the elephant, wisest of all. I loved her (I must confess I love elephants). What I didn’t like was Daniel Daniels’ first transformation; that could have been better.
On the whole, a great book for the kids. Recommended for ages 8 to 12. A simplified version and lots of art work, this would make a great picture book for younger kids. This book would also make a great audiobook with different voices and songs which would entertain the kids.
December 30, 2018
Daniel Daniels is a very ordinary boy. Both of his parents have full time jobs which completely absorb them, leaving them with little interest in either their son or each other. Daniel is a daydreamer at school and struggles with maths, much to the irritation of his teacher. He is also the victim of the school bully, Chris McSteel and his band of cronies who endlessly torment Daniel.
Daniel has one escape from his life and that is Mr Gregory’s zoo. Unfortunately, Mr Gregory is no a kindly animal loving sort of man. The zoo was a financial investment for him which turned out to be a lot more work than he bargained for. Mr Gregory treats the animals with disdain and often abuses them. Mr Gregory does not like Daniel, who visits the zoo daily, and treats him with great suspicion. After all, who could possibly like animals?
One day, Daniel comes across Mr Gregory trying to give the monkeys a medicine. They won’t take it and, during the ensuring fray, the bottle is knocked out of the cage and the medicine splashes all over Daniel. The following day, Daniel realizes that something is different. He has acquired an unusual power and can turn himself into any inanimate object he wants to. Can he use this newly found power to help his unhappy friends at the World’s Worst Zoo?
The book also contains some very amusing poems by Robbie Yates who is a master of ridiculously humorous poetry. This book will appeal to young readers aged nine to twelve years old.
Daniel has one escape from his life and that is Mr Gregory’s zoo. Unfortunately, Mr Gregory is no a kindly animal loving sort of man. The zoo was a financial investment for him which turned out to be a lot more work than he bargained for. Mr Gregory treats the animals with disdain and often abuses them. Mr Gregory does not like Daniel, who visits the zoo daily, and treats him with great suspicion. After all, who could possibly like animals?
One day, Daniel comes across Mr Gregory trying to give the monkeys a medicine. They won’t take it and, during the ensuring fray, the bottle is knocked out of the cage and the medicine splashes all over Daniel. The following day, Daniel realizes that something is different. He has acquired an unusual power and can turn himself into any inanimate object he wants to. Can he use this newly found power to help his unhappy friends at the World’s Worst Zoo?
The book also contains some very amusing poems by Robbie Yates who is a master of ridiculously humorous poetry. This book will appeal to young readers aged nine to twelve years old.
October 8, 2018
The title suggests a lot, I was driven to read what it is about now, I tried months ago but I do not want to force myself into reading something I wasn’t in the mood for or I would have ended up hating it. I do not want it to be clouded by such judgment. And an unfair one. But here I am now, enjoyed Daniel Daniels and the World’s Worst Zoo a lot.
Daniel Daniels is being bullied in school and his parent doesn’t give the attention he deserves. Upon something, he didn’t say. They gave him a pass for zoo visits. Every day after school Daniel Daniels visits the zoo. As it turns out it is the worst on there is. He sees how the animals are maltreated and the place they call home now is a disaster. Because of the greedy zoo owner did all of it for the sake of gaining profit. between avoiding bullies and doing visits to the zoo an adventure of a lifetime began one day when something spilled over Daniel. Could it be the key to finally teach the greedy owner a lesson?
I have enjoyed it so much, it was compelling to read and it teachers some high values and responsibilities of taking an animal under your care. And what is the best way for it to be read by? Children of course!
It is perfect for middle graders to read such a book, it has charming characters, humans and animals alike. And who knew a non-living bin could also have a character if you look closer… a handful of witty twists in the plot at it an adventurous one. And the poem for the animals was a great touch!
Daniel Daniels is being bullied in school and his parent doesn’t give the attention he deserves. Upon something, he didn’t say. They gave him a pass for zoo visits. Every day after school Daniel Daniels visits the zoo. As it turns out it is the worst on there is. He sees how the animals are maltreated and the place they call home now is a disaster. Because of the greedy zoo owner did all of it for the sake of gaining profit. between avoiding bullies and doing visits to the zoo an adventure of a lifetime began one day when something spilled over Daniel. Could it be the key to finally teach the greedy owner a lesson?
I have enjoyed it so much, it was compelling to read and it teachers some high values and responsibilities of taking an animal under your care. And what is the best way for it to be read by? Children of course!
It is perfect for middle graders to read such a book, it has charming characters, humans and animals alike. And who knew a non-living bin could also have a character if you look closer… a handful of witty twists in the plot at it an adventurous one. And the poem for the animals was a great touch!
October 21, 2018
4.5 stars
Aaaw, this is so cute. Recently, I've read Robbie's other children's book and really loved it. So of course, I had to read this too. And first, I wanna say, personally, I find it hard to write a book for children. I just don't think I'm capable of writing something that's easy to udnerstand for kids but still interesting for adults. So I really applaud the author for his amazing books :) :)
As a 26-year old who read this, I can say, I'm fascinated. I enjoyed the silly but cute scenes. Though I can't really say I'm fond of animals that much, I don't even have a pet, still I felt Daniel's love for them. And my heart warmed at how he cares. But this book isn't just about cuteness. Daniel's life at school and how he get through them is a good sidestory that as I understand it plays a role in making Daniel a good person. Thus his compassion for the animals. The lesson the story wanted to convey is clear and I think all children need to read this.
Well written and enjoyable to read, I think everyone, young or young at heart, can find enjoyment in this book. This is actually perfect gift for my little cousins this Christmas. :)
Aaaw, this is so cute. Recently, I've read Robbie's other children's book and really loved it. So of course, I had to read this too. And first, I wanna say, personally, I find it hard to write a book for children. I just don't think I'm capable of writing something that's easy to udnerstand for kids but still interesting for adults. So I really applaud the author for his amazing books :) :)
As a 26-year old who read this, I can say, I'm fascinated. I enjoyed the silly but cute scenes. Though I can't really say I'm fond of animals that much, I don't even have a pet, still I felt Daniel's love for them. And my heart warmed at how he cares. But this book isn't just about cuteness. Daniel's life at school and how he get through them is a good sidestory that as I understand it plays a role in making Daniel a good person. Thus his compassion for the animals. The lesson the story wanted to convey is clear and I think all children need to read this.
Well written and enjoyable to read, I think everyone, young or young at heart, can find enjoyment in this book. This is actually perfect gift for my little cousins this Christmas. :)
July 2, 2018
This is a really cute middle grade (or younger) book that I think would be most loved by fellow animal lovers. There is a lot of goofy silliness in the pages that makes it a quick and easy read.
Personally, I am not a huge zoo fan. This is probably partly because I live about 5 minutes from the North Carolina Zoo and have been there a billion times. It’s also because I am not a huge fan of the heat, and of seeing animals out of their natural habitats. BUT, with this being said, I love animals endlessly. Daniel and I really have that one in common! And, to make it all the better, Daniel takes it into his own hands to make sure that these cute little (and big) creatures get better treatment! So Daniel could by my friend any day.
This short chapter book is all about Daniel and getting his furry friends justice. As I certainly prefer in a book, there are also some small plot lines, like Daniel’s life at school and with his peers, that run through the book, making sure that the story isn’t crowded by the zoo. It’s cute and lighthearted, and even those of us who have gone quite beyond this age group can still appreciate a nice middle-grade every now and then, right?
Personally, I am not a huge zoo fan. This is probably partly because I live about 5 minutes from the North Carolina Zoo and have been there a billion times. It’s also because I am not a huge fan of the heat, and of seeing animals out of their natural habitats. BUT, with this being said, I love animals endlessly. Daniel and I really have that one in common! And, to make it all the better, Daniel takes it into his own hands to make sure that these cute little (and big) creatures get better treatment! So Daniel could by my friend any day.
This short chapter book is all about Daniel and getting his furry friends justice. As I certainly prefer in a book, there are also some small plot lines, like Daniel’s life at school and with his peers, that run through the book, making sure that the story isn’t crowded by the zoo. It’s cute and lighthearted, and even those of us who have gone quite beyond this age group can still appreciate a nice middle-grade every now and then, right?
July 3, 2018
My son and I had so much fun reading this one together. At first, I felt so bad for Daniel. I mean, his parents hardly hear a word he says. They love him . . . they're just airheads. Stuck in their own worlds. And then there's the class bully, Chris McSteel. He seems to have nothing better to do with his time than make fun of Daniel. Even the mean zookeeper seems to have it in for Daniel.
One messy monkey medicine twist later and Daniel's life starts looking up. From there on, we were laughing at all the things that happened. Of course, this book took a bit longer to read than it should have because every time we got to a part about Shiba (the elephant), he went off on a tangent about elephants. It made for a few interesting discussions :)
This book is great to read together, whether your child is old enough to read it on their own, or you read it to them. My son, being only four, didn't understand parts of the book but he still enjoyed it quite a bit. For a kid that loves animals, this book was a hit in our household! Who knew monkey medicine could make life so interesting?
One messy monkey medicine twist later and Daniel's life starts looking up. From there on, we were laughing at all the things that happened. Of course, this book took a bit longer to read than it should have because every time we got to a part about Shiba (the elephant), he went off on a tangent about elephants. It made for a few interesting discussions :)
This book is great to read together, whether your child is old enough to read it on their own, or you read it to them. My son, being only four, didn't understand parts of the book but he still enjoyed it quite a bit. For a kid that loves animals, this book was a hit in our household! Who knew monkey medicine could make life so interesting?
July 8, 2018
Daniel Daniels and the World’s Worst Zoo is a sweet, cute, fun read for you but maybe even more enjoyable with some little ones!
If you could have one, what would your super hero power be? Would you like to fly? Be invisible? Run at super speed? Be able to turn into a dumpster? Hey, don’t knock it… you never know when that little skill may come in handy!
Daniel is adorable, determined, a little bit neglected and very gifted with skills of exaggeration.
“My fractions skills might have been bad, but my time skills were abysmal. I knew this, because every day at school lasted about 100 hours, and even I knew there weren’t 100 hours in a day.”
Dealing with a bully at school isn’t easy. Dealing with an adult bully at the zoo, his sanctuary, is even more difficult. But Daniel has faith and little bit of luck from a ‘magic’ ointment on his side. With these he’ll find a way to save himself and the sweet animals he loves at the World’s Worst Zoo.
I think the author does an excellent job of creating the world through a child’s eyes, from wonder at the zoo animals to the unpleasantness of his school life. I hope Daniel’s teacher and parents aren’t really as distracted as he makes them out to be! But to a child everything is magnified.
If you love animals, cute children, a little bit of magic and a story with heart, this is one you’ll want to try with the little ones in your life. Go on… try it!
If you could have one, what would your super hero power be? Would you like to fly? Be invisible? Run at super speed? Be able to turn into a dumpster? Hey, don’t knock it… you never know when that little skill may come in handy!
Daniel is adorable, determined, a little bit neglected and very gifted with skills of exaggeration.
“My fractions skills might have been bad, but my time skills were abysmal. I knew this, because every day at school lasted about 100 hours, and even I knew there weren’t 100 hours in a day.”
Dealing with a bully at school isn’t easy. Dealing with an adult bully at the zoo, his sanctuary, is even more difficult. But Daniel has faith and little bit of luck from a ‘magic’ ointment on his side. With these he’ll find a way to save himself and the sweet animals he loves at the World’s Worst Zoo.
I think the author does an excellent job of creating the world through a child’s eyes, from wonder at the zoo animals to the unpleasantness of his school life. I hope Daniel’s teacher and parents aren’t really as distracted as he makes them out to be! But to a child everything is magnified.
If you love animals, cute children, a little bit of magic and a story with heart, this is one you’ll want to try with the little ones in your life. Go on… try it!
July 6, 2018
I loved reading a children’s story book after a long time. The title of the book is very catchy. It made me curious about the world’s worst zoo. I also loved the animated elephant on the cover. I am pretty sure kids will love reading the story of Daniel Daniels.
The concept of worst zoo and the miserable life of animals in that zoo will make us (as well as kids) thoughtful. Daniel’s love and compassion towards those animals is very heart warming. The cruel and money minded zoo owner Mr.Gregory is well fitted for the villain’s role. It is very interesting to see the friendship between Daniel and Shiba, the clever elephant in the zoo. Monkeys were also given equally important roles. The most funny characters in this story were Daniel’s parents. They touch the height of carelessness towards their son. They don’t even know what’s happening in his life. They need salutes.
Some points to ponder:
There is no mention about Daniel’s age in the book. I had to assume him to be in high school because he had ‘fractions’ in his syllabus.
Parents are portrayed as too careless to handle. A little concern for their son would have added some positivity to the story.
There is huge scope for illustrations in this book. In fact, I feel kids books are incomplete without illustrations.
The concept of worst zoo and the miserable life of animals in that zoo will make us (as well as kids) thoughtful. Daniel’s love and compassion towards those animals is very heart warming. The cruel and money minded zoo owner Mr.Gregory is well fitted for the villain’s role. It is very interesting to see the friendship between Daniel and Shiba, the clever elephant in the zoo. Monkeys were also given equally important roles. The most funny characters in this story were Daniel’s parents. They touch the height of carelessness towards their son. They don’t even know what’s happening in his life. They need salutes.
Some points to ponder:
There is no mention about Daniel’s age in the book. I had to assume him to be in high school because he had ‘fractions’ in his syllabus.
Parents are portrayed as too careless to handle. A little concern for their son would have added some positivity to the story.
There is huge scope for illustrations in this book. In fact, I feel kids books are incomplete without illustrations.
July 15, 2018
I love a good early reader book; they're just so easy to get into and, as an adult, they create a sense of achievement when you can read a whole book in under an hour! So, when the opportunity to be involved in the blog tour for Daniel Daniels and the World's Worst Zoo came up, of course I had to read this one, and I wasn't disappointed!
Daniel Daniels is a very likeable narrator who, despite having a hard time both at school and at home, is very optimistic and caring. We soon learn of his love of the local zoo, even though it is definitely the World's Worst Zoo, and get to meet all the animals he encounters there. But, the story takes an unexpected twist...
Robbie Yates' writing style is very fluid and makes the story very easy to get lost in, and I also liked how his love of poetry shines through making this an enjoyable read for readers of all ages!
Daniel Daniels is a very likeable narrator who, despite having a hard time both at school and at home, is very optimistic and caring. We soon learn of his love of the local zoo, even though it is definitely the World's Worst Zoo, and get to meet all the animals he encounters there. But, the story takes an unexpected twist...
Robbie Yates' writing style is very fluid and makes the story very easy to get lost in, and I also liked how his love of poetry shines through making this an enjoyable read for readers of all ages!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews