Summer is here! As the long, lazy days stretch out before us, some of us may find ourselves asking “How in the world are the kids and I going to entertain ourselves all day?” Never fear! I am here to help. Why not combine my two favorite summer things – the Knox County Library’s summer reading program and the Knoxville Zoo! Read some great books, and then come and visit the characters kids love in their home at the zoo!
For Preschool
What to Read: Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae. This adorable picture book stars Gerald the giraffe, a long-legged fellow who dreams of becoming a dancer.
Where to find him: The Knoxville Zoo has three giraffes on exhibit, Jumbe, Lucy and Patches. For a small fee, kids (and grownups, too!) can offer their new friend some tasty greens at the feeding platform (subject to availability). Who knew that a giraffe’s tongue can stick out over 14 inches?!
What to Read: Underwear by Lynn Munsinger. Zachary Zebra and his friends are underwear-lovin’ critters. They wear it every chance they get, and sometimes all at once! And what preschooler doesn’t love underwear?
Where to find him: Zebras are found across from the Stokely Elephant Preserve.
For Elementary School
What to read: Verdi by Janell Cannon. This story is one of my favorites, about a little green tree python who doesn’t want to grow up.
Where to find him: The Knoxville Zoo has one green tree python on exhibit in the reptile department. You’ll find his enclosure across from the restrooms.
For Middle School
What to read: The Guardians of Ga’Hoole by Kathryn Lasky. This series tells the 
exciting tale of Soren, a barn owl who is pushed from the nest and is sent to a school for owls.
Where to find him: The Knoxville Zoo has two barn owls, Harvey and Myrtle. They’re on exhibit in the Barn Loft by Kids Cove. You can meet other characters from the series, also, which features many different birds of prey. Streak and Zan are bald eagles. Our eagles, Holly and Hal, are on exhibit next to the Log Cabin.
For High School
What to read: The Modern Ark by Vicki Croke. This book is non-fiction and covers the history of zoos and captive breeding programs. It provides a fantastic explanation of the purpose of the Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Where to find them: The Knoxville Zoo works with many critically endangered animals that are part of the SSP. Look for the sketch of the mama and baby rhinos to identify them.
All of these books, and so many more, are available from Knox County Public Library. What are you waiting for! Get reading, and I’ll see you at the zoo!
I love this idea Heather of pairing up books with the zoo animals! 🙂
And there are DOZENS of possibilities! So many books, so little time! My kids always loved visiting their favorite animal friends at the zoo.
Love this!