Wordless Picture Books

Jay, A. (2008) Welcome to the zoo. New York: Dial Books

ISBN# 978-0-8037-3177-6

This story is about a family who goes to the zoo on a sunny afternoon. They walk through the zoo filled with animals not in cages, as they walk the father takes pictures of the events going on.

I think children ages 3-5 would enjoy this book not only because of the great illustrations but also because what child doesn’t like animals. I also think even the youngest of children would catch onto the recurring items on each page. There is a game that goes along with the pictures; it has a list in the back of the book with all the items to be found. Another neat thing about this book is on the back cover you can see the photos the father in the story took throughout their walk around the zoo. 

Provocations:

-          Show pictures of some of the animals children might not already know about. Photos could just be photo copied out of the book, and either show to the children directly before reading, or by placing them in different areas around the room.

-          The children could have a discussion about different animals they may have seen or have at home as pets.  

3 ways to present: 

1)      Read and find all the items in the back of the book.

2)      Felt board: photos could be photo copied out of the book and made into felt bored pieces.

3)      Story Basket: All that would be needed would be a mother, father, two children, and some animals. These items could be found at any dollar store or toy store.

3 extensions:

1)      Taking photos: Children could be given their own cameras to use in the classroom or on a walk to the park or around the block.

2)      An animal unit could be started after reading this book, learning about each individual animal group at a time.

3)      The children could go on a field trip to the zoo.