One? Five? Ten? Or is there always room for just ONE MORE?
From the moment I picked up this book, I knew I was in for some fun. The front cover immediately sparks curiosity, with illustrator A Yi cleverly connecting the illustrations to the title. Before you even turn the first page, there is already so much to notice, predict and chat about.
And then we meet a character who wants another pet.
The only tiny problem? Take a close look at the illustrations, and you will quickly discover that this household is already home to quite the collection of animals!
Undeterred, our determined character sets about persuading Mum, offering option after option for her to consider. The possibilities keep coming and so does the fun.
Then Mum adds a delicious little twist. A special gift is arriving.
Cue the brainstorming!
What could it be?
This is where young readers can join in, make predictions and let their imaginations run wild. I am definitely not going to spoil the brilliant ending. This one deserves to be discovered together.
The rhyming text makes this book an absolute joy to read aloud. It has bounce, rhythm and plenty of opportunities for children to join in. I especially love the bolded words and phrases which naturally encourage readers to play with their voices, build excitement and bring the story to life.
And those animal sounds? So much fun! The labelled sounds invite children to interact with the story, and I can already imagine a classroom full of learners adding actions, voices and a little dramatic flair. It would be a fabulous springboard for role play or a reader’s theatre experience.
There is plenty for young writers to notice too. Author Maura Pierlot uses strong verbs, descriptive adjectives and question marks to create energy and build anticipation. Teachers could use these features as mentor text moments before inviting learners to create their own version. What pet would they try to persuade someone to welcome into their home?
There is even mathematics hiding amongst all those animals. Count the pets, sort them, compare groups or create your own pet-themed number problems. I love a book that naturally travels across the curriculum.
And please do not rush past the endpapers! They provide another opportunity to explore the animals featured in the story and could spark further research at home or in the classroom.
I also really appreciated the connection to pet rescue. Beneath all the humour and chaos is an opportunity to gently open conversations about caring for animals and the important role rescue organisations play.
This is a joyful, energetic read that invites children to look, listen, predict, count, perform, research and wonder.
My kind of book!
If you love books that get children talking, laughing and learning, add this one to your read-aloud pile and make sure you save time to explore every last illustration.
And when you reach that ending? No peeking! Make your prediction before you turn the page.
Title: Our Family Zoo
Author: Maura Pierlot
Illustrator: A. Yi
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Publication Date: 1 June 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761643545
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
