This Zoo is Not for You

Winner of a Teach Early Years Award 2018 Nominated for the 2019 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal Longlisted for the 2018 North Somerset Teachers' Book Awards When a small platypus visits the zoo, the animals all assume he has come about the vacancy and he is swiftly taken through a rigorous interview process. But the platypus is far too bland for the chameleons, not nearly graceful enough for the flamingos, and his tricks will never impress the monkeys. So, he leaves. The animals soon regret being so unkind, but . . . what's this? The platypus has left an invitation! Oh dear - it seems he had actually come to the zoo to invite them all to his party. Uh-oh! But with all forgiven and forgotten, the platypus welcomes his new zoo friends to a fantastic party on his Platypus! This rollicking rhyming picture book, from the award-winning creator of There's a Bear on My Chair , combines comic misunderstandings with a heartfelt story about acceptance and belonging. "There's a touch of Tim Minchin about Collins . . . his tone is funny but heartfelt and a little bit rock'n'roll" - The Guardian "...a wonderfully funny animal rhyme with a gentle message of inclusion and acceptance." - The Bookseller Children's Previews "Author and illustrator Ross Collins won over a legion of fans with his very funny rhyming story, There's a Bear on My Chair , and his latest picture book, This Zoo is Not for You , is an equal delight. Again proving his knack with rhyming couplets it's got all the catchy, funny repetition of a bedtime favourite... Beyond the humour it's a really touching story about tolerance, acceptance and welcoming strangers at its heart." - Waterstones (blog) "This book is a joy to read! The rhyme scheme works perfectly, rolling off the tongue, whilst a playful sense of humour brings joy to every page.... The illustrations are brilliantly composed and there's plenty to spot on repeat visits too." - Teach Early Years Awards "The rhyming text bounces along, making the story great to read aloud and create lots of voices for each animal. The illustrations are full of humour... A fabulous story for everyone to enjoy." - North Somerset Teachers' Book Award