ZOO'S WHO

1. Bibliography

Florian, Douglas. 2005. ZOO'S WHO. Ill. by Douglas Florian. New York: Harcort Inc. ISBN 0152046399

2. Plot Summary

This book is a collection of short poems that use rhyme, alliteration, wordplay, as well as other literary techniques to create silly descriptions of uncommon animals that one might encounter at a zoo.

3. Critical Analysis

In this collection, Douglas Florian uses an array of literary techniques to create fun animal poems suitable for young children. For example, in "The Penguin" Florian coins new terms such as "penginsulation", "penguinter" and "penguinsome". These made up, silly words describe a penguin and its behavior while at the same time creating an entertaining poem. In the poem "The Sharks", Florian uses alliteration to make this poem appealing. The repeated "s" sound throughout the poem adds intensity to the text as well as makes it a cohesive and memorable work. Finally, in the poem "The Snake". Florian creates a visual effect by shaping the final line of the piece in the form of a snake. All of these techniques, as well as others, create visually as well as aurally stimulating poetry intended to entertain young readers.

The illustrations in this book are flat, two dimensional depictions of the beasts described in the poetry. They consist of dark, muted earth tones with the name of the animal hidden within the background of the drawing. Overall, while the illustrations are nice, their somber tones seem at odds with the playful quality of the poetry it is meant to mirror. I find that the combination of the two (poetry and illustration) does not mix well and , therefore, creates a sense of dissonance among the pages.

4. Review Excerpts

Horn Book: The twenty-one poems in Florian's latest collection are as fresh, imaginative, and witty as ever. The illustrations are something of a departure. Made with "watercolor, gouache, colored pencils, inks, tin foil, candy wrappers, shredded papers, stencils...and much collage on primed brown paper bags," the large, square pictures frequently use rubber-stamped letters to extend the wit of the poems.

Booklist: Florian continues his series of books that deal with animal life in all its permutations. However, children will need a certain sensibility to understand the wordplay. The more astute the reader, the better the time he or she will have with this. But there are joys here for those who take the poems and pictures on face value as well.

5. Connections

* Other books by Douglas Florian
OMNIBEASTS: ANIMAL POEMS AND PAINTINGS
BOW WOW MEOW MEOW: IT'S RHYMING CATS AND DOGS
LIZARDS, FROGS, AND POLLIWOGS
A PIG IS BIG

* Other authors of animal poetry for children
Jane Yolen
Valerie Worth
Rob Jackson
Susan K. Mitchell