Lost at the Zoo

Quick Look

Wee mouse Rory tries to find his owner Sam at Edinburgh zoo, and avoids some narrow squeaks along the way.

Description

Rory the pet mouse goes on a trip to Edinburgh Zoo in Sam's pocket. He leans out to get a better look and falls into the anteater's enclosure. How will wee Rory ever find Sam again in the enormous zoo?

'Have you seen Sam?' Rory asks, and tries to describe his owner. He tells the zebra Sam's got sticky-out sandy hair, and gets sent to the lion! He tells the lion Sam's got big round eyes, and gets sent to the owl! Rory meets lots of animals -- a helpful anteater, a polite zebra, a grumpy lion, a hungry owl, a friendly rhino, the elegant flamingos and the blethering penguins, who take him along on their penguin parade. But will he ever find Sam?

This charming zoo story, full of wonderful animal characters, is beautifully illustrated by talented young artist, Joanne Nethercott.

Reviews

'This charming story for very young readers is full of wonderful animal characters and beautifully illustrated by talented young artist,
Joanne Nethercott.'
-- The Scots Magazine

'A delightful and unusual trip around the zoo.'
-- Julia Eccleshare, LoveReading4Kids

'This engaging book is not only a story but a lesson in natural history.'
-- Creative Steps

'The quirky, colourful, bold illustrations complement a story that is highly recommended for reading aloud to young children. Lost at the Zoo is the latest addition to a lively series of Scottish picture, Picture Kelpies.'
-- The School Librarian

'Joanne Nethercott's vibrant watercolours convey Rory's emotions and the animals' movements effectively. A story of adventure with a comforting ending!'
--Carousel

Author

Gill Arbuthnott was born and brought up in Edinburgh, but escaped briefly to study in St Andrews and Southampton. She couldn't stay away, however, and now lives in Edinburgh with her family and Leonard the cat. She says writing for children is possibly the best job in the world. She has written several novels for older children: The Chaos Clock, The Chaos Quest and Winterbringers (all Floris Books), as well as books with Barrington Stoke and The Keeper's Daughter, published by Chicken House. Lost at the Zoo is her first picture book.

You can also visit the author's own website at http://gillarbuthnott.wordpress.com

Joanne Nethercott is originally from Northern Ireland. She moved to Scotland in 2001 to study illustration at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee. She has had work commissioned by the National Theatre of Scotland. She lives in Edinburgh and works from her studio at home. She is the illustrator of Ginger Nut (Picture Kelpies, 2011).

Links

Lost at the Zoo is in Floris Books' range of Picture Kelpie Scottish children's picture books. Parents of young children might also enjoy the dedicated Picture Kelpies website. Download and print out games, colouring and jokes for your children based on Picture Kelpie favourites, and find out more about these quality Scottish picture books to enjoy together.

Here's another Picture Kelpie picture book wonderfully illustrated by Joanne Nethercott:
Ginger Nut by Chani McBain and Joanne Nethercott

Scottish novels for 8-12 year olds by Gill Arbuthnott:
The Chaos Clock
The Chaos Quest
Winterbringers