Ariel Cohn

The Zoo Box is a fun romp that'll have kids wondering, "What if?"

The book itself is a cross between a picture book and a children's graphic novel -- the only text is in speech bubbles, and most of the pages are quad-frame, with a few full-page illustrations.

As a grown-up, there were a few elements that had me scratching my head. Why is the attic set-up like a bedroom, if it's locked and cobwebby? Why do the parents even own a "Do Not Open" zoo box? And how old is the sister supposed to be, if she's both old enough to be left in charge of her brother at night while her parents are gone, but young enough to dress up like a tiger and jump on the bed growling? Luckily, they weren't enough to ruin the story for me -- with a fanciful story like this, you have to suspend your disbelief anyway -- and I don't think most kids will wonder about them.

Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.… (mere)