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"SHOO!"
A raucous debut picture book about an invasion of pesky animals.
Mrs Golightly doesn't like animals – and now a whole zoo has moved next door! No matter how hard she tries to shoo them away, she finds animals a kangaroo on the loo, a giraffe in her bath, and even ants in her pants.
What can she do to get rid of these stinky, bothersome creatures?
Bursting with colour, delightful rhyme and outrageous humour, Shoo! is acclaimed children's author Susie Bower's first picture book.
Mrs Golightly doesn't like animals – and now a whole zoo has moved next door! No matter how hard she tries to shoo them away, she finds animals a kangaroo on the loo, a giraffe in her bath, and even ants in her pants.
What can she do to get rid of these stinky, bothersome creatures?
Bursting with colour, delightful rhyme and outrageous humour, Shoo! is acclaimed children's author Susie Bower's first picture book.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 30, 2021
1 person is currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 11, 2025
Don’t ‘Shoo’ away from this amazing book!
Mrs. Golightly hates animals. So when a zoo moves in next door, she finds her house invaded by a different creature each day of the week, and all she can do is to shoo it away. When it gets too much to take, Mrs. Golightly doesn’t go lightly (dad joke, sorry!) but barges ahead, shoos all the creatures away and barricades every possible entrance to her home. However, just as she begins to enjoy her solitude, she realises that she is lonely. What will she do next?
I simply loved this whimsical story! It was silly and yet so much fun. Mrs. Golightly’s reactions to the animals are as amusing as whatever the animals are doing in her home. Kids will surely enjoy the animal antics as well as the hilarious text.
The book has a lot of educational value too. The content comes in simple prose for most of the text, with a few rhyming words for the animals’ actions (alligator on the radiator, llamas in pyjamas,…) The animals are quite varied as well. There are also plenty of onomatopoeic words in the narrative as well as in the illustrations, all of which would make this a wonderful book to read aloud with full gusto.
The illustrations are the scrumptious icing on this yummy cake. They are so adorable! Even when Mrs. Golightly is grumpy, her expressions are to die for! The colour palette is perfect for the story, with the subtle pastel hues working like a charm.
This would be perfect for homes as well as schools. Maybe not for libraries because kids might laugh too hard and break the cardinal rule of silence. 😉 Just kidding!!! Yes to libraries too! It has all the ingredients that make it a perfect readaloud story. Suitable for all little ones aged 2+.
I recently read this author’s “The Dangerous Life of Ophelia Bottom” and was blown away by it. Now with this second triumph, you bet she is going to be on my ‘Must-Read Children’s Author’ list.
4.5 jolly stars.
My thanks to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for the DRC of “Shoo!” This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
**A big thanks to Srivalli whose review of this book put it on my radar. I would have missed this gem otherwise! Do check out her review too.**
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Mrs. Golightly hates animals. So when a zoo moves in next door, she finds her house invaded by a different creature each day of the week, and all she can do is to shoo it away. When it gets too much to take, Mrs. Golightly doesn’t go lightly (dad joke, sorry!) but barges ahead, shoos all the creatures away and barricades every possible entrance to her home. However, just as she begins to enjoy her solitude, she realises that she is lonely. What will she do next?
I simply loved this whimsical story! It was silly and yet so much fun. Mrs. Golightly’s reactions to the animals are as amusing as whatever the animals are doing in her home. Kids will surely enjoy the animal antics as well as the hilarious text.
The book has a lot of educational value too. The content comes in simple prose for most of the text, with a few rhyming words for the animals’ actions (alligator on the radiator, llamas in pyjamas,…) The animals are quite varied as well. There are also plenty of onomatopoeic words in the narrative as well as in the illustrations, all of which would make this a wonderful book to read aloud with full gusto.
The illustrations are the scrumptious icing on this yummy cake. They are so adorable! Even when Mrs. Golightly is grumpy, her expressions are to die for! The colour palette is perfect for the story, with the subtle pastel hues working like a charm.
This would be perfect for homes as well as schools. Maybe not for libraries because kids might laugh too hard and break the cardinal rule of silence. 😉 Just kidding!!! Yes to libraries too! It has all the ingredients that make it a perfect readaloud story. Suitable for all little ones aged 2+.
I recently read this author’s “The Dangerous Life of Ophelia Bottom” and was blown away by it. Now with this second triumph, you bet she is going to be on my ‘Must-Read Children’s Author’ list.
4.5 jolly stars.
My thanks to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for the DRC of “Shoo!” This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
**A big thanks to Srivalli whose review of this book put it on my radar. I would have missed this gem otherwise! Do check out her review too.**
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
July 15, 2022
This is a cute children's book with gorgeous illustrations. I love animals, so I had to get it when I saw it on NetGalley. It's a fun story with a lovely ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.
July 18, 2022
4.5 Stars
Shoo! is a little book about a lady who doesn’t like animals. A zoo opens beside her house and makes life difficult for her. She shoos and yells at the animals that come into her house. She even barricades her home and puts up boards to prevent animals from bothering her. But when the animals no longer visit her, she feels lonely and sad. Will the lady change her mind about animals?
I love the illustrations in this one. The colors are soft pastels but still cheerful. The color scheme makes this a lovely bedtime book for little ones. The lady’s house has grayish blue tones to match her mood. The illustrations almost have a middle-grade mystery kind of feel (lucky that mystery is one of my favorite genres).
The story comes in simple sentences that have internal rhymes for animal names. I found it cute and funny to read those lines aloud. There’s repetition to make the rhyming even better and help kids remember the animal’s names.
To sum up, Shoo! is a lovely book about the importance of animals and how life can be more fun when we have friends.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and Pushkin Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#Shoo #NetGalley
Shoo! is a little book about a lady who doesn’t like animals. A zoo opens beside her house and makes life difficult for her. She shoos and yells at the animals that come into her house. She even barricades her home and puts up boards to prevent animals from bothering her. But when the animals no longer visit her, she feels lonely and sad. Will the lady change her mind about animals?
I love the illustrations in this one. The colors are soft pastels but still cheerful. The color scheme makes this a lovely bedtime book for little ones. The lady’s house has grayish blue tones to match her mood. The illustrations almost have a middle-grade mystery kind of feel (lucky that mystery is one of my favorite genres).
The story comes in simple sentences that have internal rhymes for animal names. I found it cute and funny to read those lines aloud. There’s repetition to make the rhyming even better and help kids remember the animal’s names.
To sum up, Shoo! is a lovely book about the importance of animals and how life can be more fun when we have friends.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and Pushkin Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#Shoo #NetGalley
July 15, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Shoo! is an illustrated children's book full of fun and is sure to get lots of giggles for any child who has it read to them. Mrs Golightly doesn't like animals and when a zoo moves in next door and causes her mayhem she has had enough! She shuts up her house to ensure no more animals can get in, but then something quite extraordinary happens - she begins to miss them!
The illustrations are absolutely fantastic and so humorous and children will join in with the repeating line Mrs Golightly says through the book. This would make a great fun read to share in a classroom or nursery for story time and I absolutely loved it!
Shoo! is an illustrated children's book full of fun and is sure to get lots of giggles for any child who has it read to them. Mrs Golightly doesn't like animals and when a zoo moves in next door and causes her mayhem she has had enough! She shuts up her house to ensure no more animals can get in, but then something quite extraordinary happens - she begins to miss them!
The illustrations are absolutely fantastic and so humorous and children will join in with the repeating line Mrs Golightly says through the book. This would make a great fun read to share in a classroom or nursery for story time and I absolutely loved it!
July 13, 2022
This was adorable!
Shoo! is an illustrated story about a grump who doesn't like animals, but realizes in the end everyone needs a bit of mess in their life.
So cute! The illustrations were great, and the rhyme was fun. I'm sure the kids will love it.
Perfect if you love animals - and if you don't 😂
Shoo! is an illustrated story about a grump who doesn't like animals, but realizes in the end everyone needs a bit of mess in their life.
So cute! The illustrations were great, and the rhyme was fun. I'm sure the kids will love it.
Perfect if you love animals - and if you don't 😂
August 4, 2022
This might be the most adorable book I've ever read in my life.
This is about Mrs. Golightly who doesn't like animals. She shoo them away whenever she sees them. However one day a zoo moved in next door. I won't say much about the story as it is a short book.
This book was ADORABLE!! It was funny and heartfelt. This book felt like a hug. I loved it so much. And the illustrations were absolutely stunning and cute. I want every kid out there to read this book!!
This is about Mrs. Golightly who doesn't like animals. She shoo them away whenever she sees them. However one day a zoo moved in next door. I won't say much about the story as it is a short book.
This book was ADORABLE!! It was funny and heartfelt. This book felt like a hug. I loved it so much. And the illustrations were absolutely stunning and cute. I want every kid out there to read this book!!
July 20, 2022
All we say is accept the animals as they are and live in peace ✔️
I love the little cute story so much! The artwork is fun and the illustrations really colourful. So well done I would say.
The animals are fun. The old lady is grouchy but who can say no to animals eh?!
Thank you, Pushkin Press, for the advance reading copy.
I love the little cute story so much! The artwork is fun and the illustrations really colourful. So well done I would say.
The animals are fun. The old lady is grouchy but who can say no to animals eh?!
Thank you, Pushkin Press, for the advance reading copy.
August 4, 2022
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Shoo! is an illustrated children's book that will make you laugh out loud and definitely funny and a keepsake for children. It tells the story of Mrs. Golightly who hates animals but ends up confronting her fear when a zoo moves on next door. Mayhem ensures but through it she discovers who she truly is. I loved the plot, the illustrations and I cannot recommend it to everyone fast enough.
Shoo! is an illustrated children's book that will make you laugh out loud and definitely funny and a keepsake for children. It tells the story of Mrs. Golightly who hates animals but ends up confronting her fear when a zoo moves on next door. Mayhem ensures but through it she discovers who she truly is. I loved the plot, the illustrations and I cannot recommend it to everyone fast enough.
September 1, 2022
Absolute fav 🥰🥰🥰
I absolutely loved this book.
It had some of the most beautiful and cozy imagery I have ever seen in a comic. It felt so comforting and so easy to read through.
The story is simple & clean, Mrs. Golightly hates animals & don't want anything to do with them. Unfortunately, she lived just opposite the Zoo & all the animals loved her Garden. The story then progresses to show us waht she is going to do about it.
The manner in which Mrs. Golightly learns her lesson & accepts that she misses the animals as they were her company is so nice to read about & laugh.
I feel that such cute stories are best suited as comics & this one just one of the best.
#netgalley
I absolutely loved this book.
It had some of the most beautiful and cozy imagery I have ever seen in a comic. It felt so comforting and so easy to read through.
The story is simple & clean, Mrs. Golightly hates animals & don't want anything to do with them. Unfortunately, she lived just opposite the Zoo & all the animals loved her Garden. The story then progresses to show us waht she is going to do about it.
The manner in which Mrs. Golightly learns her lesson & accepts that she misses the animals as they were her company is so nice to read about & laugh.
I feel that such cute stories are best suited as comics & this one just one of the best.
#netgalley
July 13, 2022
This picture book, is so much fun. Shoo! Is about a woman who likes everything to be peaceful and quiet, and is deismayed when she learns that a zoo is not only moving in next door, but that the animals escape at night, and like to dance on her front lawn.
And when she goes in side, she finds them in her house. For example, a kangaroo in her loo.
In the end, of course, she gets her peace and quiet and relizes that it is a little too quiet, and when the animals invade her space again she invites them back with welcome arms.
Sweet illustrations, and funny story.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And when she goes in side, she finds them in her house. For example, a kangaroo in her loo.
In the end, of course, she gets her peace and quiet and relizes that it is a little too quiet, and when the animals invade her space again she invites them back with welcome arms.
Sweet illustrations, and funny story.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
July 11, 2022
Just look at that cover! This is a funny picture book with gorgeous illustration. It's rare that I'm happy with both the story and the artwork. Here, nothing is amiss.
My four-year-old loves animals, and she's crazy about the Zoo. This book was love at first sight.
Thank you NetGalley and Pushkin Press for an Advance Review Copy.
My four-year-old loves animals, and she's crazy about the Zoo. This book was love at first sight.
Thank you NetGalley and Pushkin Press for an Advance Review Copy.
July 13, 2022
Awww! This is exactly the kind of book that will put a smile on your face. The rhymes sounded so natural and I loved the beautiful illustrations. What a cute and charming book!
Thank you to Pushkin Press and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Thank you to Pushkin Press and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
July 16, 2022
This is a fun story that has a grumpy main character who realizes that maybe she does like those animals after all. It has quirky, gorgeous illustrations and it packs in a lot of humour.
July 19, 2022
Cute book. Read with my 4yo son. He very much enjoyed the pictures and the rhyming. We loved moving around to the words while I was reading to him. Great illustrations!
Thank you to NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and Susie Bower for allowing us to read this ebook early.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and Susie Bower for allowing us to read this ebook early.
July 30, 2022
An uptight old lady discovers that a zoo has moved in next door. But she thinks all animals are smelly and noisy.
The zoo animals get a little too comfortable at Mrs. Golightly's house. They know nothing of boundaries!
After shooing away the animals, Mrs. Golightly finally gets some peace. But soon, she realized that maybe she didn't mind their company after all.
Shoo! is a silly book with detailed and engaging illustrations. And, of course, you can't go wrong with a children's book featuring a kangaroo on the loo!
Thanks to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for the digital ARC.
The zoo animals get a little too comfortable at Mrs. Golightly's house. They know nothing of boundaries!
After shooing away the animals, Mrs. Golightly finally gets some peace. But soon, she realized that maybe she didn't mind their company after all.
Shoo! is a silly book with detailed and engaging illustrations. And, of course, you can't go wrong with a children's book featuring a kangaroo on the loo!
Thanks to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for the digital ARC.
September 6, 2022
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I spotted this one on Twitter and I knew I had to have it! Then, surprise, Netgalley turned up to have it and I was accepted to read it! Whoop!
In this one we meet a crabby lady named Mrs Golightly (love her name). She loves her garden. But she doesn’t love the animals that pop up in there. Squirrels, NO. Cats? NO! Birds? SHOOO! I can tell you my first impression of the lady wasn’t a good one! I mean, I have a garden myself and I would LOVE all the cute animals to come by. Well, OK, maybe not cats. But that is because they try to kill frogs and birds and poo in my garden. But frogs? Birds? Butterflies? YAS! I was curious if I was going to be liking this crabby lady, was she going to have a chance of heart? Or would the zoo ruin it all?
Yes, a zoo. I don’t know how regulations and such were thrown overboard, but this lady gets a zoo next to her! I can hear you say that this isn’t too bad, right? The animals are in cages, they are not going to be outside, right? Well, nope. These animals have a hand in escaping it seems… or the zoo is very lax in keeping animals in. Because quite soon we see a kangaroo having a wee on her toilet. We see giraffes having a party in the garden. Did I mention the alligator on the radiator? I had quite the laugh at what was going on with the zoo, though I have to say, despite her being crabby? I was feeling sorry for the woman. I mean, I wouldn’t mind some animals, but everyday? Not sure if I would be so happy. So I could imagine her reaction when things just got too crazy. I think I would have done the same. I could relate! WOAH!
The ending was just the sweetest. It definitely was unexpected, though maybe not fully, I have read other picture books like this. But I am so happy with the Mrs. Golighty and loved seeing this side of her.
The illustrations were just the absolute best! Lovely style, lovely colours, and the animals just seem to pop out of the pages.
All in all, a laugh-out-loud book about a crabby lady and the zoo animals next door that keep visiting. Recommended!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I spotted this one on Twitter and I knew I had to have it! Then, surprise, Netgalley turned up to have it and I was accepted to read it! Whoop!
In this one we meet a crabby lady named Mrs Golightly (love her name). She loves her garden. But she doesn’t love the animals that pop up in there. Squirrels, NO. Cats? NO! Birds? SHOOO! I can tell you my first impression of the lady wasn’t a good one! I mean, I have a garden myself and I would LOVE all the cute animals to come by. Well, OK, maybe not cats. But that is because they try to kill frogs and birds and poo in my garden. But frogs? Birds? Butterflies? YAS! I was curious if I was going to be liking this crabby lady, was she going to have a chance of heart? Or would the zoo ruin it all?
Yes, a zoo. I don’t know how regulations and such were thrown overboard, but this lady gets a zoo next to her! I can hear you say that this isn’t too bad, right? The animals are in cages, they are not going to be outside, right? Well, nope. These animals have a hand in escaping it seems… or the zoo is very lax in keeping animals in. Because quite soon we see a kangaroo having a wee on her toilet. We see giraffes having a party in the garden. Did I mention the alligator on the radiator? I had quite the laugh at what was going on with the zoo, though I have to say, despite her being crabby? I was feeling sorry for the woman. I mean, I wouldn’t mind some animals, but everyday? Not sure if I would be so happy. So I could imagine her reaction when things just got too crazy. I think I would have done the same. I could relate! WOAH!
The ending was just the sweetest. It definitely was unexpected, though maybe not fully, I have read other picture books like this. But I am so happy with the Mrs. Golighty and loved seeing this side of her.
The illustrations were just the absolute best! Lovely style, lovely colours, and the animals just seem to pop out of the pages.
All in all, a laugh-out-loud book about a crabby lady and the zoo animals next door that keep visiting. Recommended!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 21, 2022
This is an incredibly funny picture book! It is really begging you to be read out loud! My small human (just short of becoming 3) found this book hilarious, he loved the pictures, Especially the kangaroo on the loo! (More so the farty-poo), the crocodile was a little scary at first, but the llamas in her pyjamas made up for it straight away!
I'm aware that this is a kids book, however I have to bring this up, the lady's boundaries are quite literally trampled in this book, the animals are invading her personal space and one by one keep doing so, to a point she has to put measures in place to deter said animals. Luckily once she does, they do stay out of her house, however then have a party in her garden, but she does become friends with the animals in the end and all is well. I'm maybe judging this too harshly, as it is a children's book after all and could maybe be a learning moment for the child. eg; Explaining why this is not a nice/the right thing to do and how the animals should have behaved instead.
The illustrations are especially pleasing to the eye, the colours are not too flashy, more muted, but exquisite and adorable. Towards the end of the story, the lady and animals all fall asleep in bed, which makes it a very good option to be read as a bedtime story, however this is definitely not the only time to read it! the book is genuinely funny and also teaches children about the days of the week. I'm very impressed and will definitely be purchasing this book!
I'm aware that this is a kids book, however I have to bring this up, the lady's boundaries are quite literally trampled in this book, the animals are invading her personal space and one by one keep doing so, to a point she has to put measures in place to deter said animals. Luckily once she does, they do stay out of her house, however then have a party in her garden, but she does become friends with the animals in the end and all is well. I'm maybe judging this too harshly, as it is a children's book after all and could maybe be a learning moment for the child. eg; Explaining why this is not a nice/the right thing to do and how the animals should have behaved instead.
The illustrations are especially pleasing to the eye, the colours are not too flashy, more muted, but exquisite and adorable. Towards the end of the story, the lady and animals all fall asleep in bed, which makes it a very good option to be read as a bedtime story, however this is definitely not the only time to read it! the book is genuinely funny and also teaches children about the days of the week. I'm very impressed and will definitely be purchasing this book!
July 22, 2022
An enthusiastic endorsement from my kid!
Mrs. Golightly loves her garden, but doesn’t like animals. At first, this is just a problem because of the expected birds, squirrels, and other small creatures. But then a zoo moves in next door, and Mrs. Golightly’s yard becomes the best place to party. But, after several nights of chasing off her unwanted guests, she comes around for a charming ending.
My kid has asked for a repeat of this one by its easily-remembered name, which basically always guarantee a 5-star review from me. I may read a lot of picture book, but he’s the target audience, and the audience is charmed by these mischevious animals and the frantic gardener. He loves the sort of call-and-response allowed by the repeated “shoos.” The book also has some witty rhymes, with just a little bit of rudeness (a roo on the loo and ants in the pants) to make it all the better.
Most pages are full-spread artwork with backgrounds, with occasional pages devoted to multiple images to show action sequences (think comic book, minus the borders). Gambatesa does a great job conveying emotion. Ever seen an annoyed alligator or embarrassed kangaroo? Here!
A charming pick for any animal lover…or hater?
Mrs. Golightly loves her garden, but doesn’t like animals. At first, this is just a problem because of the expected birds, squirrels, and other small creatures. But then a zoo moves in next door, and Mrs. Golightly’s yard becomes the best place to party. But, after several nights of chasing off her unwanted guests, she comes around for a charming ending.
My kid has asked for a repeat of this one by its easily-remembered name, which basically always guarantee a 5-star review from me. I may read a lot of picture book, but he’s the target audience, and the audience is charmed by these mischevious animals and the frantic gardener. He loves the sort of call-and-response allowed by the repeated “shoos.” The book also has some witty rhymes, with just a little bit of rudeness (a roo on the loo and ants in the pants) to make it all the better.
Most pages are full-spread artwork with backgrounds, with occasional pages devoted to multiple images to show action sequences (think comic book, minus the borders). Gambatesa does a great job conveying emotion. Ever seen an annoyed alligator or embarrassed kangaroo? Here!
A charming pick for any animal lover…or hater?
July 24, 2022
Thank you so much to Pushkin Press and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
Mrs. Golightly doesn’t like any animals at all and is always shooing them away, then suddenly a Zoo opens up next door and all the animals invade her house, she wants them out for good.
Adorable, Repetitive, Humorous and Utterly Fun.
Mrs Golightly really didn’t like or care for literally any of the animals and told them over and over again to shoo she didn’t like them. The animals continue to get everywhere in her house, but when they stay out things change.
I really liked the rhyming and the repeating of the lines, it’s a perfect book for young readers as they can read it easily, learn the story quickly and can join in. These types of books are always a perfect hit with young children.
The illustrations were really sweet and made the story that much funnier seeing everything on the pages that the animals were doing. I really liked this book a lot and I really highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun, hilarious, wacky, interactive and easy read for your child they will really enjoy this book.
Mrs. Golightly doesn’t like any animals at all and is always shooing them away, then suddenly a Zoo opens up next door and all the animals invade her house, she wants them out for good.
Adorable, Repetitive, Humorous and Utterly Fun.
Mrs Golightly really didn’t like or care for literally any of the animals and told them over and over again to shoo she didn’t like them. The animals continue to get everywhere in her house, but when they stay out things change.
I really liked the rhyming and the repeating of the lines, it’s a perfect book for young readers as they can read it easily, learn the story quickly and can join in. These types of books are always a perfect hit with young children.
The illustrations were really sweet and made the story that much funnier seeing everything on the pages that the animals were doing. I really liked this book a lot and I really highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun, hilarious, wacky, interactive and easy read for your child they will really enjoy this book.
July 31, 2022
3.5.
This was a very cute picture book about Mrs Golightly who does not like the company of animals; however, a zoo opens up next door. What is she to do?!
The illustrations were very adorable with very cute creatures that individually have so much personality. I enjoyed the rhymes within, their structure and placement, and the themes of tolerance, acceptance, and embracing/adapting to change. Some of the text was a bit hard to read (e.g., black font on a grey/dark blue/dark green background) and while I liked the themes, I think the story was itself was alright. The illustrations had a simple colour palette of neutral and dark greens, greys, blues, and reds which were a bit melancholy at times.
I really enjoyed that you do see personal growth with Mrs Golightly as she adapts to the neighbouring zoo and root for her and the zoo’s inhabitants to befriend, or at the very least, coexist with each other. And to be flexible while adapting to these changes, which can be a challenging thing to do!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced e-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was a very cute picture book about Mrs Golightly who does not like the company of animals; however, a zoo opens up next door. What is she to do?!
The illustrations were very adorable with very cute creatures that individually have so much personality. I enjoyed the rhymes within, their structure and placement, and the themes of tolerance, acceptance, and embracing/adapting to change. Some of the text was a bit hard to read (e.g., black font on a grey/dark blue/dark green background) and while I liked the themes, I think the story was itself was alright. The illustrations had a simple colour palette of neutral and dark greens, greys, blues, and reds which were a bit melancholy at times.
I really enjoyed that you do see personal growth with Mrs Golightly as she adapts to the neighbouring zoo and root for her and the zoo’s inhabitants to befriend, or at the very least, coexist with each other. And to be flexible while adapting to these changes, which can be a challenging thing to do!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced e-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2022
I was given this book as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Mrs. Golightly hates animals. She believes them to be “stinky, bothersome creatures.” If she sees one she says “SHOO!” So when a zoo moves in next door, she is very put out. Different animals keep showing up in her house. They won’t leave her alone.
I like this book, because I can see a lot of teaching opportunities and discussion points that you can have with children. For instance you could discuss how to identify emotions. “How does Mrs. Golightly look? How does she feel? When have you felt that way?” Finally, have students describe how Mrs. Golightly feel at the end of the book, how her feelings have changed, and why they think they have changed.
You can also teach students about rhyming words. How to identity rhyming words. Then have students start making up their own rhymes by predict what animals will show up next.
Mrs. Golightly hates animals. She believes them to be “stinky, bothersome creatures.” If she sees one she says “SHOO!” So when a zoo moves in next door, she is very put out. Different animals keep showing up in her house. They won’t leave her alone.
I like this book, because I can see a lot of teaching opportunities and discussion points that you can have with children. For instance you could discuss how to identify emotions. “How does Mrs. Golightly look? How does she feel? When have you felt that way?” Finally, have students describe how Mrs. Golightly feel at the end of the book, how her feelings have changed, and why they think they have changed.
You can also teach students about rhyming words. How to identity rhyming words. Then have students start making up their own rhymes by predict what animals will show up next.
July 19, 2022
I received a free uncorrected eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
In my opinion there are 4 types of children's literature: Informative (the kind that spew facts), Discursive (stories that can start conversations) Aesthetic ( for the joy of beauty, such as poems or nature narratives) and ENGAGING (books meant to bring joy, fun and overall happiness) Great children's books can do a few of these at the same time.
I thought this was going to be a purely engaging book and was pleasantly surprised with it had a Discursive and Aesthetic component as well. The rhyming element was so cute and enchanting. The overall message of opening yourself to new experiences is great for kids!
The illustrations are crisp and colorful and draw the reader in. All the animals look friendly. This was a joy to read!
In my opinion there are 4 types of children's literature: Informative (the kind that spew facts), Discursive (stories that can start conversations) Aesthetic ( for the joy of beauty, such as poems or nature narratives) and ENGAGING (books meant to bring joy, fun and overall happiness) Great children's books can do a few of these at the same time.
I thought this was going to be a purely engaging book and was pleasantly surprised with it had a Discursive and Aesthetic component as well. The rhyming element was so cute and enchanting. The overall message of opening yourself to new experiences is great for kids!
The illustrations are crisp and colorful and draw the reader in. All the animals look friendly. This was a joy to read!
July 28, 2022
This is a great book that my son and I both thoroughly enjoyed. Mrs. Golightly is a hilariously cranky lady who hates animals. Her worst nightmare comes true when a zoo moves in next door. The story unfolds with Mrs. Golightly finding a kangaroo on her loo, a giraffe in her bath and a llama in her pyjamas. In true picture book fashion, Mrs. Golightly begins loosen up a little and appreciate the company of the animals. We have used this in our homeschool as a perfect story for discussing character arc changes. The illustrations are absolutely delightful and perfectly match the sentiment of Mrs. Golightly throughout the whole of the story. The end was the perfect finish. Thank you NetGalley for access to this book. All opinions are my own.
August 12, 2022
Here it is...my new favorite picture book!
Let me list all the reasons why it is the best and deserves a million stars, not just 5 and should be on the shelf of every library and bookstore.
-The art is SPECTACULAR. The facial expressions and the body movement combined with the color choices make it feel like its come to life!
-The story itself is sweet as pie, I don't want to spoil it but I definitely teared up.
-It is going to be a classic read along story time book! Parents and kids are going to have so much fun discussing all the animals and the silly things that happen when someone tries to shoo them!
I truly can't recommend this lovely picture book more! It's so good!
Let me list all the reasons why it is the best and deserves a million stars, not just 5 and should be on the shelf of every library and bookstore.
-The art is SPECTACULAR. The facial expressions and the body movement combined with the color choices make it feel like its come to life!
-The story itself is sweet as pie, I don't want to spoil it but I definitely teared up.
-It is going to be a classic read along story time book! Parents and kids are going to have so much fun discussing all the animals and the silly things that happen when someone tries to shoo them!
I truly can't recommend this lovely picture book more! It's so good!
August 12, 2022
This is a really well-illustrated picture book with good repetition which is great for children learning to read. It's something they could begin to join in with as it's read aloud to them and also has elements of rhyme which is great. The story itself is sweet and I can see younger children enjoying the cantankerous personality of Mrs. Golightly as she is initially furious with the animals having taken over her house. The only thing I feel it lacks is a reason why she changes her mind. She goes from having a hatred of all animals to suddenly wanting them back in her life with no real explanation which I found a bit clunky.
July 12, 2022
This was so cute! It was just long enough to be entertaining, but short enough to hold the attention of a younger crowd. The illustrations are beyond beautiful and captured my attention from the beginning. There was whimsy in the story, but also (a change of) heart.
Sometimes we think we want to be left alone, but then its too quiet and lonely. Mrs. Golightly learned this lesson & made some animal friends in the meantime. It was great to read this book. I can't wait to read more from Bower in the future.
Sometimes we think we want to be left alone, but then its too quiet and lonely. Mrs. Golightly learned this lesson & made some animal friends in the meantime. It was great to read this book. I can't wait to read more from Bower in the future.
July 13, 2022
Grumpy old lady is very annoyed when a zoo moves in next door and the animals come over.
Is the plot riciculous? Yes.
Is the whole thing so cute I don't care? Also yes.
This one will be perfect for reading out loud as it's one of those that rhyme. You know, she has bats in her hats, an armadillo on her pillow, ants in her pants.
Short, sweet, colourful, funny. What you want in a picture book.
Let's hook readers soon, make them bookish before they know what hit them.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
Is the plot riciculous? Yes.
Is the whole thing so cute I don't care? Also yes.
This one will be perfect for reading out loud as it's one of those that rhyme. You know, she has bats in her hats, an armadillo on her pillow, ants in her pants.
Short, sweet, colourful, funny. What you want in a picture book.
Let's hook readers soon, make them bookish before they know what hit them.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
July 17, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Pushkin Press through NetGalley.
Mrs. Golightly is not a fan of animals. When a zoo moves in next door, she spends her week shooing them out of her life and home. Then, she spends a week alone and discovers it's not as much fun. She joins the fun and dances the night away. The illustrations are detailed and offer readers a look at animals in a wide variety of situations. Elementary level readers will love the text as Bower takes us through the activities each day. They will laugh at the antics and be joining the "Shoo!..." text throughout the story.
Mrs. Golightly is not a fan of animals. When a zoo moves in next door, she spends her week shooing them out of her life and home. Then, she spends a week alone and discovers it's not as much fun. She joins the fun and dances the night away. The illustrations are detailed and offer readers a look at animals in a wide variety of situations. Elementary level readers will love the text as Bower takes us through the activities each day. They will laugh at the antics and be joining the "Shoo!..." text throughout the story.
July 12, 2022
What a fun book to talk about character traits and what can make people grumpy!
This book reminds me of “Those Darn Squirrels” and “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” and would be good for plot and theme comparisons.
Even with being the grumpiest person ever, a little love and consideration can go a long way to change someone’s perspective and life.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this Arc!
This book reminds me of “Those Darn Squirrels” and “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” and would be good for plot and theme comparisons.
Even with being the grumpiest person ever, a little love and consideration can go a long way to change someone’s perspective and life.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this Arc!
July 13, 2022
This is a fun short story for under 7s telling the poetic rhyming tale of Mrs Golightly and “ the invasion” of a collection of zoo animals into her house .It is a simple tale about the recognition of friendship told in rhyming sentences which will be enjoyed by young readers who will want to repeat the words. The illustrations by Francesca Gambetesa are delightful and will appeal to children .A fun read for KS1 or at home .
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