Review of Paul and Frank Build a Sea Zoo
Posted: 20 Jul 2021, 18:52
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Paul and Frank Build a Sea Zoo" by Thomas Rippy.]
Paul and Frank Build a Sea Zoo is a marvelously illustrated story about fishes in the sea. In 30 pages, Thomas Rippy rhymes about a fish tank that keeps getting bigger. How big will it get?
One day, Paul and his friend, Frank, bring home a small fish tank. Their new housemate is a yellow polka dot angelfish; soon, she invites her sea friend, the blue runner, to live with her. Paul and Frank think it’s a wonderful idea; after all, the tank is spacious. Before they know it, sardines, ballyhoo, and other scaly sea creatures decide to move in. As the tank gets crowded, Paul and Frank need to make room for their new friends. How will they accommodate this “sea zoo”? Remove the garage? Get rid of the kitchen?
This tale is captivating with jingles and vibrant vector images. Illustrated by Judith Gosse, the full-page drawings depict lively underwater sceneries. Each page has an ocean-blue background which makes the orange and yellow hues pop out. I was mesmerized by the tiny details, such as the spots on triggerfish.
Of course, the most important aspect is the message about nature appreciation. While some may argue that this isn’t a conservation story—strictly speaking, there are no environmental problems addressed—it raises interest in aquatic life. For example, the funny fish names are a curiosity.
Unfortunately, the plot was too simple. I expected to find a diversity of sea creatures, such as starfish, sea slugs, or anemones—especially in a sea zoo. Nonetheless, I was reeled in by the strange fish nomenclature and the illustrations since I reread the book multiple times.
Sadly, the fish names were incorrectly capitalized as proper nouns—resulting in a one-star reduction. Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The author captured my attention; thus, a lower rating would be unfair.
The ocean theme makes this book a useful tool for a science lesson plan; I’d use it with a hands-on activity for lower elementary students. In addition, I could recommend it as a bedtime story; combined with sea wave sounds, it would add calming vibes. On the flip side, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for a heavier ocean conservation theme.
******
Paul and Frank Build a Sea Zoo
View: on Bookshelves
Paul and Frank Build a Sea Zoo is a marvelously illustrated story about fishes in the sea. In 30 pages, Thomas Rippy rhymes about a fish tank that keeps getting bigger. How big will it get?
One day, Paul and his friend, Frank, bring home a small fish tank. Their new housemate is a yellow polka dot angelfish; soon, she invites her sea friend, the blue runner, to live with her. Paul and Frank think it’s a wonderful idea; after all, the tank is spacious. Before they know it, sardines, ballyhoo, and other scaly sea creatures decide to move in. As the tank gets crowded, Paul and Frank need to make room for their new friends. How will they accommodate this “sea zoo”? Remove the garage? Get rid of the kitchen?
This tale is captivating with jingles and vibrant vector images. Illustrated by Judith Gosse, the full-page drawings depict lively underwater sceneries. Each page has an ocean-blue background which makes the orange and yellow hues pop out. I was mesmerized by the tiny details, such as the spots on triggerfish.
Of course, the most important aspect is the message about nature appreciation. While some may argue that this isn’t a conservation story—strictly speaking, there are no environmental problems addressed—it raises interest in aquatic life. For example, the funny fish names are a curiosity.
Unfortunately, the plot was too simple. I expected to find a diversity of sea creatures, such as starfish, sea slugs, or anemones—especially in a sea zoo. Nonetheless, I was reeled in by the strange fish nomenclature and the illustrations since I reread the book multiple times.
Sadly, the fish names were incorrectly capitalized as proper nouns—resulting in a one-star reduction. Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The author captured my attention; thus, a lower rating would be unfair.
The ocean theme makes this book a useful tool for a science lesson plan; I’d use it with a hands-on activity for lower elementary students. In addition, I could recommend it as a bedtime story; combined with sea wave sounds, it would add calming vibes. On the flip side, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for a heavier ocean conservation theme.
******
Paul and Frank Build a Sea Zoo
View: on Bookshelves
. Thank you for this lovely review, and the book seems marvelous!
It was new for as well, turns out books have them a lot! Thanks for stopping by!