One Blue Gnu

by Danna Smith, Ana Zurita (Illustrator)

"When a box of cell phones is accidentally delivered to the zoo, one blue gnu quickly calls two white sheep, who plan a party - beep beep beep! Call by call, the party spreads around the zoo, but oh no! Who invited tiger, and who will he call on his new phone? A fun and colorful picture book romp, where we count from one to ten and down again in one huge party!"--

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Counting

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 8, 2022

About the author

When Danna was a child, her favorite “toy” was a pencil. Today, she is a poet and award-winning author of over twenty-five books for children. Danna lives in northern California with her husband, children, and grandchildren. For more information about her books and teaching activities, visit her website at www.dannadmithbooks.com.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a box of cell phones breaks open, it’s party-time at the zoo. This book has it all: colorful art, adorable animals, fun rhyme, and a surprise ending. Added plus for educators—it’s a math book, too. So much fun in so few words. Another “read it again!” picture book from talented Danna Smith.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a box of cell phones accidentally arrives at the zoo? "One blue gnu quickly calls two white sheep who plan a party ...beep beep beep!" Word of Gnu's party spreads and soon Gnu's party is the place to be! Don't miss this fun-filled rhyming read-aloud that is sure to have your littles counting and giggling along. ⁠

[S.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I love how all of the animals made good use of their new found cell phones (Lol!) and planned a huge party. Ana Zurita's adorable and vibrant illustrations combined with Danna Smith's talent for creating perfectly metered and engaging rhyme makes this book a winner. I can imagine a non-reader popping open this book just to look at the illustrations. And I can imagine the adult having a good time with their little ones while reading this book. And the little ones will be so engaged with the storyline, that they won't notice they're practicing Counting Up to 10 and Counting Down.

[Deb Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cell phone fun for a menagerie of brightly colored animals all connected and ready for a party!
This high energy read will have young children eager for to swipe for each page turn. The illustrations are exceptionally colorful, delightful and expressive!

[Helen Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun rhyming read aloud with so many elements that young readers can connect and have fun with, cell phone, math, counting, animals, and of course, party! Another wonderful book from talented author Danna Smith!

[Allison Turkish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little modern for my tastes (animals using cell phones) but the rhyming is good. For a counting book, I love that the author chose to total up the animals when they all attend a party. Then the animals leave and kids can practice counting down. Nice for 3-6 year olds.

[Beth P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute rhyming and counting book

[Michelle Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just delightful!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Danna's books, this is one of the best. A counting book with a modern twist (cell phones).

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute rhyming story.

[L T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reminding every little kid that finds them self reading this book that they could be playing on a smartphone instead. The illustrations are cute though.

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book with rhyming, numbers, colors and animals.

[Miss Janis the Storytime Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty much everything you need to fit into a storytime: colors, counting, animals, silliness.