The Zoo at Night

Written by: Martha Robinson

Illustrated by: Antonio Frasconi

Suggested for: Children Ages 4-8

Themes: Fiction, Poetry, Science

Summary:

     The Zoo at Night is a poetry picture book that explains to children what happens to the animals at the zoo at night. The book show children while some animals sleep at night, just as they do, others stay up howling at the moon, flying or playing. This book teaches children more about the sleeping patterns of animals, as some are nocturnal. The illustrations are dark, yet colorful, giving the children the perspective of what the animals would actually look like in a night sky.

     Children will enjoy learning more about these animals and on exploring the illustrations.

Suggestions for the Classroom:

     This book would be an excellent selection to read with children after visiting the zoo. This book can connect the experience with the Science curriculum in connection to the animals found at the zoo.

*Pre-Reading Activities: Give students an opportunity to share some of the experiences that they had on their visit to the zoo, such as: what types of animals did they see? (make a list on the board/chart paper for children to refer to during writing activity) what were the animals doing? and what is something that they learned about the animals? Point out that while we were there that some of the animals were sleeping. Ask the students why they think that the animals were sleeping (they are tired, they are taking a nap, etc.) Ask the students, "Have you ever wondered what the zoo animals do at night?" Give them some time to respond and make predictions.

*During Reading: Point out that some of the animals are awake during the night. When do you think they sleep? Do you remember seeing that animal at the zoo today? Was it awake or asleep? Why might this animal be awake at night instead of during the day? Point out that they may hunt their pray when the prey is sleeping, they play when temperatures are cooler, etc.

*Post-Reading Activities: Give students an opportunity to write in writing journals about their trip to the zoo. They can use the story starter: Today at the zoo I saw... Students will complete their journal entry with a picture.

About the Author:

     The Zoo at Night is the first children's book written by Martha Robinson. Robinson lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband and has two grown sons. She works as a Professor of Law and Loyola Law School.

About the Illustrator:

     Antonio Frasconi has illustrated over 100 books and is well-known for his woodcuts. He grew up in South America after his parents fled from Argentina during World War I. His mother always encouraged his artistic ability and said that it was a gift from God and that he was meant to do big things. Frasconi moved to the United States after World War II and has become a successful illustrator, artist, and professor here in America.

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