Book Review: Once Upon a Zoo

By Annell Gerson

Even in their spare time, teachers never stop teaching. Cobb County elementary teacher Rosalind Bunn knew she was spending far too much of her day tying shoelaces. So, in her spare time, she co-wrote Sophie May and the Shoe Untying Fairy, a frolicking tale, complete with a catchy rhyme that teaches kids the steps to follow in order to tie their own shoes. The writing duo went on to write two additional books. Now, Rosalind and her daughter, Maggie have collaborated on what will be Bunns sixth book.

Once Upon a Zoo gently navigates an important message relevant to both children and adults. The heroine, a young Princess dressed in overalls and tennis shoes, loves animals. In fact, she has tons of stuffed animals but they are not the same as having a real pet. Her stuffed friends cant jump rope, play hop scotch, or dress up; they can only sit there and watch. So, the Princess asks the Queen for a real pet.

The Queen summons her subjects to bring animals of all types to the castle. Before long, the castle resembles a zoo. It becomes overrun with giraffes, monkeys, flamingos, pigs, geese, alligators, toucans its all too much. Thus, the Queen insists her daughter pick just one. The Princess has no idea how she will decide, but when she does, she reveals a nugget of wisdom worth remembering.

This magical story comes to life with Cartersville, GA native Keller Pyles richly hued illustrations. Once Upon a Zoo will delight kids (and their parents) after all, who can resist an animal story starring a Princess in overalls?

Rosalind and Maggie Bunn are crisscrossing the south, promoting their book. A list of appearances can be found at DeedsPublishing.com/bunn. Autographed copies of Once Upon a Zoo as well as all other titles by Rosalind Bunn are available at Bookmiser locations.