Ellie

The zookeeper announces that the zoo is closing and the animals worry that there must be something they can do, for the zoo is their home. Everyone pitches in to clean it, except Ellie, for she believes she has no talent. She discovers a paint brush and paints a flower. The zookeeper brings her more colors and she paints more walls with pictures of her animal friends. Soon word gets out and crowds return to the zoo and the zoo remains open.

Building on the idea that everyone has a talent, readers will enjoy the fun zoo community who work together to protect their home. It was disturbing to the reviewer that nobody asked ‘why’ the zoo was closing; rather they jumped right in to solve what they thought was the problem. Except for that, it was an inspiring story that shows that when everyone uses their talents and works together, they can make changes happen.

The illustrations, rendered in light, loose colors, completed the story, showing Ellie’s full range of emotions, as well as fun details about the zoo and the people who visited.