Dear Zoo

Story

Asking the zoo to send you a pet might seem like a great idea but hidden under the flaps in this book are a few animals that might present a bit of a challenge to look after. Can the zoo keepers help find the perfect pet?

Why we chose it

Lifting the flaps to see which animals the zoo has sent has enthralled young children for nearly 40 years and the story is still a favourite with children today.

Where it came from

Rod Campbell realised he had a natural ability to connect with very young children from his ‘simple child’s-view way’ of seeing the world. He came across a flap book in the early 80s when they were still rare and saw how the flaps could be used well in children’s books. He chose to write about animals as children love them and was inspired by the old fashioned zoo crates – this led to Dear Zoo. Campbell says the book ‘almost formed itself and [he] simply gave it life!’

Where it went next

Dear Zoo has sold over 8 million copies worldwide and its popularity has seen it evolve into several different forms including a snuggle book, puzzle blocks, a drawing and colouring book and even a live stage show.

Associated stories

Campbell has written many other books for the very young, including Farm 123, ABC Zoo and Animal Rhymes. He also created the preschool character Buster, who has featured in several of Campbell’s books.