MERRY CHRISTMAS, ZOO

Animals deserve merry Christmases, too.

This cheery story, expressed in bouncy verse, will not only entertain young readers, but also open their eyes to a most delightful behind-the-scenes practice that goes on at holiday time in many zoos. If kids enjoy visiting zoos around the winter holidays, they may well witness the evidence of the activities discussed here. Opening with a riff on Clement C. Moore’s classic “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” the narrative describes the efforts of zoo personnel and many volunteers as they prepare “Christmas presents” for the animals in their charge. Treats including fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats are cut into holiday shapes, and toys, for play and enrichment opportunities, are gift-wrapped, decorated, and delivered by Santa so that the animals can enjoy nourishing, healthy snacks and revel in entertaining fun. Giraffes munch on kale wreaths; otters, penguins, and polar bears enjoy fish encased in ice blocks; tigers pounce on papier-mâché “zebras”; seals play with balls; and hippos chew edible stars off trees in their enclosures. And, like many young children and pets, zoo animals adore ripping up wrapping paper and ribbon. The dynamic, colorful digital illustrations will elicit big smiles from animal lovers. Human characters are diverse in terms of age and race; Santa presents white.

A winning treat for yuletide collections and displays.