ALWAYS LOTS OF HEINIES AT THE ZOO

Rhyming text elaborates on the bottoms of various animals as readers follow a family’s trip to the zoo. The snake has a shiny heinie and the cockatoo’s is feathered. Some are bright pink or cobalt blue (though it looks like a pale lilac in the illustration) and others jet-black. The jaunty tale reminds readers that although an animal’s behind does not have to be hidden at the zoo, humans must keep theirs covered. This isn’t always easy for children, however, especially when one wants to put on his newly acquired parrot costume immediately. Santat’s detailed, full-page illustrations carry the story along, injecting subtle humor into the scenes, such as one where the lions are penned just across the way from their natural prey. The colors are neutral safari tones except when, as in nature, bursts of color shine through. Use of scale and perspective bring the reader right into the zoo, most notably at the penguin and jellyfish exhibits. Still, despite this cleverness, an additional butt-book purchase. (Picture book. 3-7)