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Pumpkin Day at the Zoo
When farmers and pumpkin patch owners donate their pumpkins to the zoo, the animals chomp, chew, play, and give hearty hoorays for their favorite squishy squash! Grab a pumpkin and follow along as this lighthearted, lyrical zoo book for preschoolers and elementary-age kids from bestselling novelist Susan Meissner celebrates the fall season in the most entertaining way. Here come the wagons down the streets, rumbling and tumbling with pumpkin treats! Kids will love watching the zoo animals enjoy their autumn snack in this educational, rhyming story. With lively artwork from illustrator Pablo Pino, Pumpkin Day at the Zoo applauds all the good that comes from sharing in your community.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2023
12 people are currently reading
4231 people want to read
About the author
Susan Meissner
33 books9,295 followersSusan Meissner is a USA Today bestselling novelist with more than a million books in the hands of readers, and in eighteen languages. Her critically acclaimed works of historical fiction have been named to numerous lists including Publishers Weekly’s annual roster of 100 best books, Library Reads Top Picks, Real Simple annual tally of best books, Goodreads Readers’ Choice awards, Booklist’s Top Ten, and Book of the Month.
She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeal to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.
When she is not working on a new novel, she enjoys teaching workshops on writing, spending time with her family, music, reading great books, and traveling.
She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeal to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.
When she is not working on a new novel, she enjoys teaching workshops on writing, spending time with her family, music, reading great books, and traveling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
April 9, 2023
Such fall vibes!!!
Get the best glimpse of all kinds of animals at the zoo having fun with pumpkins!
The illustrations are so much fun!
Thank you, Thomas Nelson: Children’s, for the advance reading copy.
Get the best glimpse of all kinds of animals at the zoo having fun with pumpkins!
The illustrations are so much fun!
Thank you, Thomas Nelson: Children’s, for the advance reading copy.
July 4, 2023
Every once in a while, I enjoy reading a children’s book. I was drawn to the book by the author, Susan Meissner, because I’ve always enjoyed her adult novels. The illustrations in this book are beautiful. What do you do with pumpkins after Halloween is over? Why you donate them to the animals in the Zoo. This delightful story story is told in a poetry format. I think this book will probably be a favorite with many children.
December 6, 2025
"The very best day- it's true, it's true!
Hooray for Pumpkin Day at the zoo!"
Every autumn, farmers and people from all around donate their unused pumpkins to zoos, and all the animals know what that means. It's time to feast on pumpkins all day long! From the tiniest chipmunk to the biggest elephant, the scaliest crocodile and the fluffiest bear, all the zoo animals look forward to a day filled with endless pumpkins to munch on to their heart's content.
What a joyous autumnal read! I am fully in my fall delusion because I've been craving any and every book that is even remotely related to fall. I live in a place that maybe has two days of fall weather and two leaves that turn color and fall onto the ground; so my fall escape comes in the form in the books, TV shows, movies, pictures, and my imagination.
I do, however, happen to be very fortunate enough to live in a city that has a zoo, and it does something very similar to what happens here in this book. People can bring their unused pumpkins that haven't been carved up or painted and donate them to the zoo so the animals can have their own autumnal feast. Not only is it a fun event for the animals and the people who come to the zoo, it brings in fundraising money so these kinds of exciting events can continue.
This book captures the tradition in the most darling way. I was obsessed with animals and zoos when I was little; so Baby Katherine would have absolutely loved this book. It's also a good one to read aloud with its lyrical text. The illustrations were adorable and full of vibrant color, fully appealing to non-beige millennial children.
Too often children's books that are set in the fall season often just focus on the holidays in fall (i.e. Halloween and Thanksgiving) and not so much the spirit of the fall season itself. With this fun, humorous and lively read, Susan Meissner captures the wonder and excitement of pumpkin season and how humans aren't the only ones to enjoy a good quality fall treat.
Hooray for Pumpkin Day at the zoo!"
Every autumn, farmers and people from all around donate their unused pumpkins to zoos, and all the animals know what that means. It's time to feast on pumpkins all day long! From the tiniest chipmunk to the biggest elephant, the scaliest crocodile and the fluffiest bear, all the zoo animals look forward to a day filled with endless pumpkins to munch on to their heart's content.
What a joyous autumnal read! I am fully in my fall delusion because I've been craving any and every book that is even remotely related to fall. I live in a place that maybe has two days of fall weather and two leaves that turn color and fall onto the ground; so my fall escape comes in the form in the books, TV shows, movies, pictures, and my imagination.
I do, however, happen to be very fortunate enough to live in a city that has a zoo, and it does something very similar to what happens here in this book. People can bring their unused pumpkins that haven't been carved up or painted and donate them to the zoo so the animals can have their own autumnal feast. Not only is it a fun event for the animals and the people who come to the zoo, it brings in fundraising money so these kinds of exciting events can continue.
This book captures the tradition in the most darling way. I was obsessed with animals and zoos when I was little; so Baby Katherine would have absolutely loved this book. It's also a good one to read aloud with its lyrical text. The illustrations were adorable and full of vibrant color, fully appealing to non-beige millennial children.
Too often children's books that are set in the fall season often just focus on the holidays in fall (i.e. Halloween and Thanksgiving) and not so much the spirit of the fall season itself. With this fun, humorous and lively read, Susan Meissner captures the wonder and excitement of pumpkin season and how humans aren't the only ones to enjoy a good quality fall treat.
March 27, 2023
This is such a cute book. It shows kids how important recycling and reusing things are and it does it in such a fun way. This book is perfect to read in the fall. The illustrations are adorable. Anyone who likes animals will love this book.
October 27, 2023
Children's Picture Book
Perfect for zoo lovers or for adventures on zoo days in autumn!
Perfect for zoo lovers or for adventures on zoo days in autumn!
August 15, 2023
What a great fall book! Beautiful illustrations of all the zoo animals. Love the cover!
May 2, 2023
I was able to read this story on Net Galley before it was published. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and make this book even more fun to read. Getting to see the animals be silly or crazy with the pumpkins bring the words to life. My 2.5 year old daughter loved the colors and pointing out how the animals were eating the pumpkin. This is such a fun preschool age book to read with kids who love animals and going to the zoo. The kids and adults can enjoy picking out the animals they recognize while also learning the names of new ones. It is written rhyme prose which is great for little ones to help expand their vocabulary. I also enjoyed the last page of the book where they added that a lot of actual zoo's will take pumpkins.
April 14, 2023
This is a fun picture book for kids. Full of rhyming words in lots of colors to keep attention.
Full of lots of animals at a Zoo & you see pumpkins being passed out to all the different animals for them to enjoy.
At the end of the book, we are told that many zoos accept donations of pumpkins for the animals to devour, encouraging people to get involved & don't throw them away, but donate them instead.
Thanks to Netgalley & Thomas Nelson for this ARC. I was able to preview this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Full of lots of animals at a Zoo & you see pumpkins being passed out to all the different animals for them to enjoy.
At the end of the book, we are told that many zoos accept donations of pumpkins for the animals to devour, encouraging people to get involved & don't throw them away, but donate them instead.
Thanks to Netgalley & Thomas Nelson for this ARC. I was able to preview this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 18, 2023
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo was a precious children's book about how zoos celebrate different seasons. The zoo gave out pumpkins to all the animals, and the book showed how much the animals also like to celebrate seasons with different items they can feast upon. The story was sweet, and the art was beautiful. I recommend this book to teachers, families, and homeschoolers to show how seasons are celebrated throughout the animal kingdom.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 9, 2023
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo is a super cool book! I'm totally excited to tell you about it! So, in this book by Susan Messier and with pictures by Pablo Pedo, it's all about this awesome day when everyone brings pumpkins to the zoo. From tiny pumpkins to big ones, it's like a pumpkin party for the animals!
Okay, so here's the scoop. Families and farmers show up with wagons full of pumpkins, and the animals go bananas for them. Like, seriously, they're so happy! There are even chipmunks collecting pumpkins, and it's like a little game to find them on each page.
But the best part? The illustrations! They're like magic pictures that make the story even more fun. And guess what? There's a big feast at the end where all the animals say thank you. It's like a pumpkin paradise!
My favorite part? Well, besides the chipmunks, I really love the lesson. The book teaches us that if you take your time, share stuff, and save up—whether it's money, stickers, or even pieces of dust—you'll end up with a huge amount of pumpkin goodness. So, save up, and you'll have a feast whenever you need it! It's like a super yummy lesson from the zoo animals.
I totally recommend this book if you love pumpkins, feasts, and cute chipmunks. It's a pumpkin-tastic adventure, and you'll learn the coolest lesson ever! Yay for Pumpkin Day at the Zoo!
For a more in-depth look at this book, head over to my YouTube channel and watch my full review.
https://youtu.be/K-bzYDD0SBw?si=CPW0s...
Okay, so here's the scoop. Families and farmers show up with wagons full of pumpkins, and the animals go bananas for them. Like, seriously, they're so happy! There are even chipmunks collecting pumpkins, and it's like a little game to find them on each page.
But the best part? The illustrations! They're like magic pictures that make the story even more fun. And guess what? There's a big feast at the end where all the animals say thank you. It's like a pumpkin paradise!
My favorite part? Well, besides the chipmunks, I really love the lesson. The book teaches us that if you take your time, share stuff, and save up—whether it's money, stickers, or even pieces of dust—you'll end up with a huge amount of pumpkin goodness. So, save up, and you'll have a feast whenever you need it! It's like a super yummy lesson from the zoo animals.
I totally recommend this book if you love pumpkins, feasts, and cute chipmunks. It's a pumpkin-tastic adventure, and you'll learn the coolest lesson ever! Yay for Pumpkin Day at the Zoo!
For a more in-depth look at this book, head over to my YouTube channel and watch my full review.
https://youtu.be/K-bzYDD0SBw?si=CPW0s...
August 4, 2023
It is hard to believe it is already August and some children are back in school. Before we know it, Fall will be upon us. Pumpkin Day at the Zoo by Susan Meissner is a fun new children's book for Fall.
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo is a good-sized children's book measuring about 8 1/2 inches by 10 1/2 inches. It is aimed at children ages four to eight. I especially like that this book encourages the use of repurposing pumpkins. Until I read the back page of this book, I had no idea that zoos could feed uncarved pumpkins to animals.
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo is well-written. I Have enjoyed many of Susan Meissner's adult books, but I think this is her first children's book that I have read. This book has lyrical writing that flows so well--I think it is clearly written by an experienced writer. The words just roll out--one after another--so easily on the tongue. It is a fun book to read aloud with children. It also has great illustrations and will delight those who love animals as many animals are featured throughout the book. I recommend Pumpkin Day at the Zoo for any family looking for a new book to add to their children's library this Fall.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo is a good-sized children's book measuring about 8 1/2 inches by 10 1/2 inches. It is aimed at children ages four to eight. I especially like that this book encourages the use of repurposing pumpkins. Until I read the back page of this book, I had no idea that zoos could feed uncarved pumpkins to animals.
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo is well-written. I Have enjoyed many of Susan Meissner's adult books, but I think this is her first children's book that I have read. This book has lyrical writing that flows so well--I think it is clearly written by an experienced writer. The words just roll out--one after another--so easily on the tongue. It is a fun book to read aloud with children. It also has great illustrations and will delight those who love animals as many animals are featured throughout the book. I recommend Pumpkin Day at the Zoo for any family looking for a new book to add to their children's library this Fall.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
August 5, 2023
This will be a delightful addition to any preschooler's library. Definitely a great lap read. My four year old granddaughter enjoyed finding the animals she knew, and learning about the animals she did not know.
The rhyme telling the story is cute, with words above a preschooler's vocabulary so it is also neat to give them this boost of words as well. The illustrated animals are happy cartoons, but also reflect the natural stance and positions real animals would make if nibbling on a delicious snack. Of course the overly exaggerated facial expressions are comical and made us giggle.
Two little chipmunks run through the pages and it was fun finding them hiding amongst all the pumpkin munchers.
I would recommend this as a great fall season read for ages 3 to 7. I wouldn't recommend it for a classroom story time since the images are busy and need a studied browse. I also think a young child would love to revisit this book by themselves many times to see the animals without the words being read.
The lovely peek at this new (July 2023) picture book came to me though the Goodreads Giveaways, and I have promised to post my review. I liked it. (and I am an early childhood educator now retired).
The rhyme telling the story is cute, with words above a preschooler's vocabulary so it is also neat to give them this boost of words as well. The illustrated animals are happy cartoons, but also reflect the natural stance and positions real animals would make if nibbling on a delicious snack. Of course the overly exaggerated facial expressions are comical and made us giggle.
Two little chipmunks run through the pages and it was fun finding them hiding amongst all the pumpkin munchers.
I would recommend this as a great fall season read for ages 3 to 7. I wouldn't recommend it for a classroom story time since the images are busy and need a studied browse. I also think a young child would love to revisit this book by themselves many times to see the animals without the words being read.
The lovely peek at this new (July 2023) picture book came to me though the Goodreads Giveaways, and I have promised to post my review. I liked it. (and I am an early childhood educator now retired).
August 15, 2023
This is fun, colorful, upbeat story about the day all the animals get to eat pumpkin at the zoo. It is an excellent story for the fall/autumn season. I loved all of the poetic vocabulary the book used – “Here come the wagons down the streets, rumbling and tumbling with pumpkin treats.” This is very descriptive and gives the imagination lots of room to dive into the story and be a part of the scene. There are over 16 animals named in the story – and a good dozen or so that aren’t named but are part of the illustrations giving parents and young readers numerous opportunities to point and talk about all the animals one can see at the zoo. This is a great preschool/kindergarten book for the fall and could be used as a launching point to discuss recycling; seasons; or ways to help animals in shelters and zoos.
My only critic is more to the publisher – when I look for Tommy Nelson publishing in a book store or online I expect the book to have some Christian/religious message or view and this book is lacking that trait. The illustrations and story are beautiful and sweet – but I expect more when I purchase Tommy Nelson products.
I received this book free from Tommy Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
My only critic is more to the publisher – when I look for Tommy Nelson publishing in a book store or online I expect the book to have some Christian/religious message or view and this book is lacking that trait. The illustrations and story are beautiful and sweet – but I expect more when I purchase Tommy Nelson products.
I received this book free from Tommy Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
August 17, 2023
Recommended ages: 2 - 5 years
What a fun, adorable book to kick off the fall season! My kindergartner and I loved reading this together, giggling our way through the story.
The words are rhyming and lyrical, with interesting animals and words that are fun to say like “nosh”, “chomp” and “spiffy sniffer”. Perhaps the most entertaining part of this story though are the illustrations of a wide variety of zoo animals in hilarious predicaments as they play with and devour the pumpkin treats that are being delivered to them. The story showcases the animals’ excitement over the pumpkins and squashes and my daughter LOVED seeking out a handful of mischievous little chipmunks who appeared in every page spread.
At the end of the book, there is a little note to readers that many zoos accept donated, uncarved and unpainted pumpkins as treats for the animals, and it encourages readers to check in with their local zoos as a way to recycle their fall pumpkins!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
What a fun, adorable book to kick off the fall season! My kindergartner and I loved reading this together, giggling our way through the story.
The words are rhyming and lyrical, with interesting animals and words that are fun to say like “nosh”, “chomp” and “spiffy sniffer”. Perhaps the most entertaining part of this story though are the illustrations of a wide variety of zoo animals in hilarious predicaments as they play with and devour the pumpkin treats that are being delivered to them. The story showcases the animals’ excitement over the pumpkins and squashes and my daughter LOVED seeking out a handful of mischievous little chipmunks who appeared in every page spread.
At the end of the book, there is a little note to readers that many zoos accept donated, uncarved and unpainted pumpkins as treats for the animals, and it encourages readers to check in with their local zoos as a way to recycle their fall pumpkins!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
September 17, 2023
Pumpkins abound in the fall. Jack-o-lanterns and other yard decor. But what do you do with them once they start to get soft and mushy? Some zoos have a pumpkin day in the fall to give you a place to dispose of them. I did not realize before reading this book that so many of the animals at the zoo will eat pumpkins.
Susan Meissner has written a delightful picture book about this concept. The book highlights a day at a zoo when the community brings in their old pumpkins to share with all the animals. The rhythmic text brings in many of the animals you’ll find at the zoo.
Pablo Pino’s illustrations are very whimsical and creative. I loved how he portrayed the different animals and how they used the pumpkins.
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo would be a great addition to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian school library. It would also be good for classroom or family libraries.
I received a complimentary copy of Pumpkin Day at the Zoo. This is my honest review.
Susan Meissner has written a delightful picture book about this concept. The book highlights a day at a zoo when the community brings in their old pumpkins to share with all the animals. The rhythmic text brings in many of the animals you’ll find at the zoo.
Pablo Pino’s illustrations are very whimsical and creative. I loved how he portrayed the different animals and how they used the pumpkins.
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo would be a great addition to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian school library. It would also be good for classroom or family libraries.
I received a complimentary copy of Pumpkin Day at the Zoo. This is my honest review.
November 2, 2025
The favorite day of the Fall season for the animals at this zoo is PUMPKIN DAY!🎃
Susan Meissner, a beloved HF author, has given us a rhyming story about this epic day at a zoo.
It begins like this:
Morning sun shines down on the zoo, on giraffes and camels and kangaroos,
All the animals inall their places, leaning and looking with eager faces.
The pages that follow depict the joy and delight the zoo animals exhibit over their pumpkin treats.
Famlies help the zoo employees unload the many-hued pumpkins from their wheelbarrows.
The colorful and at times comical illustrations by Pablo Pino are a perfect complement to the narrative.
What a morning! And what a way to spend an autumn Saturday!
P.S. A note at the end reminds parents and educators to check with the zoos and wildlife organization in their area to see if they want donations of uncarved, unpainted pumpkins. What a great way to recycle those autumn displays.
Susan Meissner, a beloved HF author, has given us a rhyming story about this epic day at a zoo.
It begins like this:
Morning sun shines down on the zoo, on giraffes and camels and kangaroos,
All the animals inall their places, leaning and looking with eager faces.
The pages that follow depict the joy and delight the zoo animals exhibit over their pumpkin treats.
Famlies help the zoo employees unload the many-hued pumpkins from their wheelbarrows.
The colorful and at times comical illustrations by Pablo Pino are a perfect complement to the narrative.
What a morning! And what a way to spend an autumn Saturday!
P.S. A note at the end reminds parents and educators to check with the zoos and wildlife organization in their area to see if they want donations of uncarved, unpainted pumpkins. What a great way to recycle those autumn displays.
July 24, 2023
'Pumpkin Day at the Zoo' by Susan Meissner was a fun, seasonal story about zoo animals enjoying their pumpkins and making all kinds of messes with them. The illustrations are appealing and really capture the animals' antics. The textured pumpkin on the cover is a nice touch. I like the rhyming text as well as the words being printed in curvy lines and different angles, adding to the lyrical style of writing. It would be a great book for zoos to use in the fall when kindergarten and first graders come for educational talks. When I see books published by Tommy Nelson, I expect Christian content to be included, and this particular book did not have any. It's a cute story, but would like to have seen a Christian message woven in. I received this free book in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2023
When you've read plenty of books by the author and loved them and then you see she has her first children's book out, you ask yourself, wow is that the same author actually. Sure, enough it is.
Young children are going to want to read this seasonal book time and again. Vividly illustrated, we are treated to all the zoo animals receiving pumpkins. Some of the animals play with the pumpkins first before eating them. Entertaining, the parents can turn this into a fun reading experience for the youngest in the family.
Also, did you know if you have extra pumpkins in your home garden or field, zoos and wildlife organizations will take your donations? So don't just let your extras rot, help out if you can.
A lovely read that we will be returning to.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Young children are going to want to read this seasonal book time and again. Vividly illustrated, we are treated to all the zoo animals receiving pumpkins. Some of the animals play with the pumpkins first before eating them. Entertaining, the parents can turn this into a fun reading experience for the youngest in the family.
Also, did you know if you have extra pumpkins in your home garden or field, zoos and wildlife organizations will take your donations? So don't just let your extras rot, help out if you can.
A lovely read that we will be returning to.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 26, 2023
I've always longed to write a children's book! Even before I wrote my first book for adults, I had ann itch to write for kids. PUMPKIN DAY AT THE ZOO, which will be released into the wild by Tommy Nelson Books on July 4, is my first but I'm sure it won't be my last. It was an absolute joy to write and I couldn't be happier with the perfectly delightful illustrations by the talented Pablo Pino.
I wrote the book in verse (so much fun!) and the story celebrates the joy of zoo animals receiving pumpkins to munch, punch, and crunch in an enrichment activity many zoos in the US provide for their inhabitants. From giraffes to meerkats to yaks and otters, the animals all agree Pumpkin Day just can't be beat! Can't wait for you to read and see if you agree!
I wrote the book in verse (so much fun!) and the story celebrates the joy of zoo animals receiving pumpkins to munch, punch, and crunch in an enrichment activity many zoos in the US provide for their inhabitants. From giraffes to meerkats to yaks and otters, the animals all agree Pumpkin Day just can't be beat! Can't wait for you to read and see if you agree!
July 13, 2023
Thank you to Tommy Nelson for the advanced copy to review!
This was an instant favorite of mine (and of our head children's librarian when I shared the review copy with her). We're always looking for books about pumpkins that aren't Halloween-specific and this one is exactly that, with an educational purpose of naming animals at the zoo to boot. There's even a note at the end about how you can donate your pumpkins for zoo animals to eat! I also simply love how there's a set of chipmunks pillaging chunks of pumpkin from each of the enclosures--it's a very Chip and Dale kind of fun that's really cute.
If you or any children in your life love those viral videos of pumpkin days at zoos, or if you're simply looking for a fun autumn/pumpkin read-aloud, this is for you.
This was an instant favorite of mine (and of our head children's librarian when I shared the review copy with her). We're always looking for books about pumpkins that aren't Halloween-specific and this one is exactly that, with an educational purpose of naming animals at the zoo to boot. There's even a note at the end about how you can donate your pumpkins for zoo animals to eat! I also simply love how there's a set of chipmunks pillaging chunks of pumpkin from each of the enclosures--it's a very Chip and Dale kind of fun that's really cute.
If you or any children in your life love those viral videos of pumpkin days at zoos, or if you're simply looking for a fun autumn/pumpkin read-aloud, this is for you.
September 22, 2023
I love Susan Meissner’s books and when I saw she’d written a children’s book I knew I needed to get it to read to my grandchildren. What an great book. And just like her books for adults this will captivate the attention (of a younger audience.) The illustrations by Pablo Pino are adorable. How fun for classrooms, homeschools, or preschoolers to find a zoo after Halloween to which they can donate pumpkins, read this book, talk about the animals, and then take a field trip the the zoo. You could even come back and make pumpkin treats for the children to enjoy—just like the animals did. Now there is an easy Autumn “unit study.” (Why, yes, I am a retired teacher who still thinks in terms of lesson plans and learning activities.)
April 19, 2023
“Hooray for pumpkin day at the zoo!” I wish my local zoo had a pumpkin day too! 🎃🦍🐒🦁
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo is adorable and features so many zoo animals! The illustrations are vibrant and dynamic, and the rhyming verses are catchy with the perfect amount of words on each page for me to memorize quickly (one of my favourite things about the books I read to my toddler). I especially liked how certain words are in a larger font, and different colours, catering to slightly older preschoolers that are learning to read.
Thanks NetGalley, Susan Meissner, and for the arc copy to read and review voluntary.
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo is adorable and features so many zoo animals! The illustrations are vibrant and dynamic, and the rhyming verses are catchy with the perfect amount of words on each page for me to memorize quickly (one of my favourite things about the books I read to my toddler). I especially liked how certain words are in a larger font, and different colours, catering to slightly older preschoolers that are learning to read.
Thanks NetGalley, Susan Meissner, and for the arc copy to read and review voluntary.
July 7, 2023
You've probably seen photos online of zoo animals enjoying playing with and eating leftover Halloween pumpkins. Now author Susan Meissner has turned this quirky event into a charming picture book. Told in a rollicking, rhyming style, we get to experience the joy as all manner of critters receive an autumn treat. The adorable illustrations by Pablo Pino are a perfect compliment to the text.
What a delight!
Thanks to NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for sharing.
What a delight!
Thanks to NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for sharing.
September 11, 2023
First sentence: Morning sun
shines down on the zoo, on giraffes
and camels and kangaroos.
All the animals in all their places,
leaning and looking with eager faces.
Premise/plot: Picture book written in verse. ALL the animals at the zoo enjoy eating pumpkins. That's it. The entire plot.
My thoughts: I didn't necessarily find the rhythm of the rhymes--the flow of the book--to be all that great. Not bad, of course. Certainly serviceable. I enjoyed the illustrations. The book itself is entertaining enough. Definitely worth checking out from the library in the fall. Definitely worth including in your line-up of zoo-themed or animal-themed picture books.
shines down on the zoo, on giraffes
and camels and kangaroos.
All the animals in all their places,
leaning and looking with eager faces.
Premise/plot: Picture book written in verse. ALL the animals at the zoo enjoy eating pumpkins. That's it. The entire plot.
My thoughts: I didn't necessarily find the rhythm of the rhymes--the flow of the book--to be all that great. Not bad, of course. Certainly serviceable. I enjoyed the illustrations. The book itself is entertaining enough. Definitely worth checking out from the library in the fall. Definitely worth including in your line-up of zoo-themed or animal-themed picture books.
October 15, 2023
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo by Susan Meissner is a new fall story that isn’t about Halloween. Told in rhyme, this story celebrates all the good that can come from sharing with your community. In the story, the animals at the zoo enjoy repurposed pumpkins, and the story shows children the importance and benefits of donating and repurposing. The illustrations are bright and lively and will surely draw readers in. Both humorous and educational, this new fall story is sure to be a new fall favorite!
😊Thank you Thomas Nelson Children’s (@thomasnelson) and @NetGalley for the gifted ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
😊Thank you Thomas Nelson Children’s (@thomasnelson) and @NetGalley for the gifted ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2023
For the people who grow just too many pumpkins and squashes every autumn, and never learn the limit they need to work to, this is a pleasantly-rhymed and very colourful look at what happens when a zoo gets a donation of them all. Yes, even the critters who would never be seen dead eating such stuff (otters, aardvarks and tigers spring to attention as surely not actually being pumpkin fans) dig in. That's all it is – the verse, the proof that animals can be really thankful at this time of year, and a reminder that such places might want your surplus. I guess this is the best way to present such a slight offering, so four stars are called for, but it's not exactly a wonder now.
March 21, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley for this copy of Pumpkin Day at the Zoo by Susan Meissner . This , magical , lyrical and colorful story tells a tale of when pumpkins are brought to the zoo for so many animals to enjoy.This book introduces the reader to many different zoo animals and how each animal enjoys his pumpkin treat.I really enjoyed sharing this book with my preschool group and my grandson.They really enjoyed how the words rhyme and how they are written in the story.They also loved the pictures.
March 27, 2023
Pumpkin Day at the Zoo gets 5 stars from my family! I think I enjoyed it just as much as my 3 and 5 year olds. We follow along as different zoo animals get their tasty pumpkin treats. We loved the colorful illustrations and rhyming sentences.
I will definitely be adding this one to my list of books to buy after it's published. This would be a great book for young readers and to be in the classroom.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Children's for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
I will definitely be adding this one to my list of books to buy after it's published. This would be a great book for young readers and to be in the classroom.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Children's for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
June 3, 2023
This is an adorably illustrated picture book that would make a great fall read with your kids! The rhyming story is about the residents of the town bringing their uncarved,unpainted pumpkins to the local zoo for all the animals to enjoy. Before reading this cute story I did not realize that zoos and wildlife organizations accepted these kinds of donations so thanks to Susan Meissner for bringing it to our attention in such a delightful, fun way!
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to check this one out!
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to check this one out!
August 8, 2023
Definitely getting fall vibes 😊
Adorable fun story about zoo animals eating pumpkins. The story is a bit wordy in some areas for little kids to read but fun language and cute illustrations will capture their attention. Additionally, I greatly appreciated the tidbit in the back for parents and educators about donating uncarved, unpainted pumpkins to zoo animals.
I received this book as a giveaway on goodreads, but it in no way effects my rating or comment. This book deserves the 5/5 star rating in my opinion for the reasons detailed above in the comment.
Adorable fun story about zoo animals eating pumpkins. The story is a bit wordy in some areas for little kids to read but fun language and cute illustrations will capture their attention. Additionally, I greatly appreciated the tidbit in the back for parents and educators about donating uncarved, unpainted pumpkins to zoo animals.
I received this book as a giveaway on goodreads, but it in no way effects my rating or comment. This book deserves the 5/5 star rating in my opinion for the reasons detailed above in the comment.
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