My Dad at the Zoo, by Coralie Saudo, with illustrations by Kris DiGiacomo, is a delightfully silly book. Although I have not read the book by Saudo written previously, my sense is that there's a running theme in these books of Dad becoming a bit juvenile in various situations, and in this book, it's a Sunday outing to the zoo that brings out the uncontrollable kid in Dad. The story and illustrations cater to the fun-loving reader who has a deep appreciation for the zany. Translated from the original French book, the style and tone has a European sensibility. One of my favorite moments and illustrations in the story occurs when Dad visits his favorite animal at the zoo.

Holy turn the tables, Batman! A boy tells what it is like to take Dad to the zoo. But in this case, the dad is more like a kid himself. Too impatient to wait in line, can't stay put, doing all the things that kids to drive their parents crazy on an outing. Funny story.

This picture book has bland illustrations and a story in which the dad goes wild and acts super childish, putting the child in the parenting role as he tries to manage his dad's behavior at the zoo. It's not that funny, and dads are so often presented as doofuses in children's entertainment that there is nothing unique about this either. It's just annoying and insulting.

There are far better zoo books, much better books about manners, and infinitely better books about dads. This one is a waste of the paper it is printed on.

İlkinden daha komik :)

Good for teaching perspective. Dad acts like the child. Funny.

4.5 stars--This book is SO FUN, about a dad who becomes like a kid at the zoo.

This is the sequel to My Dad Is Big and Strong, But… which was a wonderful French import. This second book is equally dynamic and successful, continuing the role reversal between father and child in the first book. Here, the father and son head to the zoo together, because Dad just can’t wait to go there. He has trouble waiting in line without bouncing everywhere. Then he has to go to the bathroom. He has a melt down about not having any ice cream until his son distracts him with a porcupine. Even leaving the zoo is tricky, since Dad is sure to want a toy from the souvenir shop even when his son says no.

This book like the first has a gorgeous sense of humor throughout. The dynamic between father and son is reversed completely and children will get the humor effortlessly as they see their own potential behavior play out in an adult. The humor is never mean and always zany, creating a feeling that will make everyone smile.

Di Giacomo’s illustrations add to that zany humor as the very large father figure dwarfs his son on every page. Even his interactions at the zoo are played for laughs as he poses with his arm around the flamingos. The illustrations use subtle color and a cartoon style to create their own unique feel.

A great read aloud that is just right for any family, particularly after an outing. Appropriate for ages 4-6.