A Wild Day at the Zoo

I loved this book, even more so for its multicultural aspect. Dotted through the story are phrases in other languages with a very useful and unique link in the first few pages that gives an audio clip on pronunciation. An appealing story with lovely illustrations bound to keep children’s interest.

Just read this book to my three and five year old children and they really enjoyed it. It was pretty exciting for them and both them and myself really enjoyed the random world trivia that was added in throughout the story. Also, of course the small potty humor with the elephant section was a hit.

Motivation as well as curiosity are key in the children's desire to understand the world around them better. According to numerous studies, the more parents read to their children from an early age, the more they stimulate their imagination and curiosity, and the more strongly they instill love for the written word. However, care should be taken when choosing children's literature, especially in terms of content.

A Wild Day at the Zoo- Little Polyglot Adventures (Vol. 2) by Victor D. O. Santose is the perfect choice for all who have children for a huge number of reasons. To begin with, it must be noted that the main characters Dylan and Isabella are part of a multiethnic family, just like the other families in the zoo, which is not uncommon nowadays, but nonetheless can help children’s attitude and openness towards acceptance of different cultures and ethnicity. The very description of the family and their interactions will help children understand the importance of respecting and accepting cultural as well as linguistic differences. The mere fact that differences make us rich and knowledge of several languages is a great asset. The children get a unique chance to discover words in a foreign language  such as Turkish, Portuguese or Ukrainian and to get acquainted with the idea that people can speak multiple languages,, in which country they speak one particular language etc.

What also thrilled me was the author's masterful way of inserting facts about animals in a very interesting and easy-to-remember way for children. This picture book offers an opportunity for children to get acquainted with the concept of a zoo, what it is for, what it really is. What species of animals can be seen there, some of their characteristics or continents where they live.

The pets are presented as part of the family, a concept children need to understand  at an early age. At a time when the abuse of pets is quite common, every parent needs to influence the development of empathy and respectful behavior towards pets and animals, in general.

Isabella's feat serves as a great example of children being able to understand that not all solutions are conventional, and that they themselves can be involved in finding a solution, as can adults.Their ideas and contributions can be just as important and valuable.

You already assume that I am extremely delighted about this picture book, as well as the author, right? You are absolutely right. After a few hours, enjoying together with my daughter, the layers, as well as the endless possibilities and wisdom that this fantastic picture book offers, delighted barely describes what I feel about it.  And can you imagine that tomorrow I have to go to the zoo? I would recommend the book to all parents wholeheartedly, and the visit to the zoo, as well.

Dylan & Kiki's adventures continue in 'a wild day at the zoo'. It's bring your pet day at the zoo, and Kiki goes missing. It's up to Dylan & his family to get her back. I enjoyed this book more than the first. The giraffe was especially cute. I love that this series is continuing to teach phrases in unique languages.