My sister, Margo, loves sloths. They are pretty cute! So of course she spotted Sloth at the Zoom when we went to our town library last week.
Sloth is supposed to be going to the zzzzzoo to relax and take it easy. But she accidentally gets dropped off at the zoom. Instead of taking naps all day, Sloth is watching animals rushing around. She can't believe her eyes. After she's been there a while she is ready to try to make some friends. But all the other animals never stop, and their speed makes conversation hard. Sloth doesn't understand "busy" and prefers to spend time listening to the leaves rustling and the sound of the wind. It seems like everyone is too busy to get to know her. When Sloth meets Snail they are actually able to have a conversation. It's slow, but neither of them seems to care. Will the two become friends? Will the other animals ever stop and take a break so they can all get to know each other? What will happen if they don't?
Orbie's illustrations were perfect for the story. The colors were great and the sky and foliage looked so pretty. Sloth won me over with her cuteness, and I thought the dialogue was easy to follow. Margo loved looking at the pictures of the different animals. While my sister pointed at the pictures of the animals being busy, thinking they were funny, it made me reflect on how sad it is to rush through life. There is so much to be gained from simply sitting and listening to the world around you. It can be good for the mind and soul! I would definitely go to the zzzzzoo over the zoom!
This a book that can be enjoyed by kids and adults. It would be a good reminder to adults that there are lots of benefits to stopping and listening. I think parents should give their kids plenty of time to observe the world, and I'm lucky mine do! This is a great addition to a any classroom or library.
Have you read Sloth at the Zoom? Or have you read another book by Helaine Becker? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy reading!
~F
