Aussie Kids: Meet Zoe and Zac at the Zoo by Belinda Murrell
Illus. by David Hardy. Penguin Random House Australia, 2020. ISBN:
9781760893651.
(Age: 6 - 8yrs) Recommended. Zoe and Zac are almost twins - born on
the same day, at the same hospital and live next door to each other
at the Zoo in Dubbo, Australia. They have just turned seven and are
finally allowed to help feed and look after the animals. During
their journey around the zoo they feed the lions, giraffes, meerkats
and scoop up elephant poo! It was hot and dusty work. On their final
journey home they find a missing lioness with a double surprise.
Meet Zoe and Zac at the Zoo is one of the first in a series
of eight books about Aussie Kids from each state in Australia.
Interwoven throughout the text are simple factual details and at the
end Fun Facts pages about the animals mentioned in the story. There
is also a short biography about the author and illustrator.
Belinda Murrell has written an entertaining story that will appeal
to young junior primary readers who are ready for chapter books to
work on their rapidly developing reading skills.
The large print complements the thoughtful illustrations by David
Hardy which provide clear visual images for the reader. Themes:
Australia, Zoo, Animals, Friends.
Kathryn Beilby