Review of Elizabeth's Enlightening Day at the Zoo

[Diana Lowery]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Elizabeth's Enlightening Day at the Zoo" by Betty R Robinson.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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T​he cover of this book has a vintage feel, which I liked. The illustrator has shown diversity both on the front and back cover, which I also liked. At first, I thought this was a book for young children, and I felt the vocabulary in the title was not age-appropriate, but once I learned that the targeted audience is middle school, I was not concerned. Elizabeth's Enlightening Day at the Zoo is the second book in a series by Betty R. Robinson. Robinson has been a science editor for years, but she recently started writing science curriculum books.

Robinson has managed to turn a science lesson about light into a delightful story of two friends going on a field trip to the zoo. The educational aspect is strong. Vocabulary words are in bold print, and definitions are located in a glossary at the end of the book. Using the animals in the zoo to demonstrate the different aspects of light is a clever way to introduce the subject. Relating those concepts to a mother's nail polish business helps keep the topic relevant. It also helps to model female entrepreneurship.

T​he author chose to write the book in a play script format. All 41 pages consist of dialogue. The name of the person speaking is in bold print. Most of the characters are addressed by their given name. Elizabeth's mother is identified as Mom. The first time this appeared, I was confused about whose mother was speaking. I liked that when the speaker was a zoo employee, the illustration showed a name badge on the person speaking.

Writing about scientific subjects in a way that will appeal to pre-teenagers is a difficult task. This is not a book that a student would read for enjoyment, but as a textbook supplement, it has value. I thought that some details were a little childish such as the "Ah-Choo Zoo Train," but middle school students do tend to fluctuate between being childish and being mature. This was the only negative I found.

I am rating this as a 5 out of 5. There are some questionable quotation marks, but the errors were consistent. I assume this is a difference in style, so I did not deduct any points for them. My recommendation is to middle school science teachers and to parents who want to supplement their child's education at home. The illustrations by Floyd Yamyamin are outstanding and would lend to discussions on many levels. The details that are included in every drawing add to the enjoyment of this book.

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Elizabeth's Enlightening Day at the Zoo
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[Grace Elkana]

Kudos to the illustrators. Every child will be attracted to the book through the cover. The story itself has so much that readers will enjoy.

[Ogunkoya Mayowa]

A sci-fi book for pre-teenagers that talks about how two friends are going on a field trip to the zoo. I love how the author uses animals in the zoo to demonstrate different aspects of light. I'm glad you enjoyed reading the book. Nice review.

[Mahwish Asgher]

Your review is very helpful and informative. You have summerised the book very well without giving any spoilers. I like how you have mentioned every little detail about the book without revealing the story. I do want to read the book and your review has boosted my urge to read the book.

[Ignesta Ignetius]

Scientific books foe kids are not the easiest to write, especially when the author intends to present the idea in a fun but educative way. I think the author did justice to this one from your review. I like how you mentioned the salient points one should look out for when reading the book. Your review is detailed and concise and I look forward to reading this book.

[Brittney Mcallan]

This was a great read my children love this book I'm so glad that I chose to get this one I've been trying different types of books for my kids I don't base anything in my house around religion or race or anything like that so every book is a good book in our house but this one was a winner with all four of my young children I definitely will be suggesting this to other parents and I've already bought it for our collection

[Israel10]

Writing about scientific subjects in a way that will appeal to pre-teenagers is a difficult task. This is not a book that a student would read for enjoyment, but as a textbook supplement, it has value. Great review.

[Kirsi Cultrera]

From the cover, I thought this was a book for little children, but that is obviously not the case here. Nevertheless, turning a science lesson into a cute story is marvelous. I wish somebody had done that when I was that age; maybe I would have learned my lessons better...

Thank you for your thoughtful review. I enjoyed reading it!

[Josephine Mercy]

I love the review and how it captures the beautiful scenes of the book.

[Obi Egbuniwe]

Your review is very precise and summarizes the book quite nicely. I think this book is a delightful read both within and outside the classroom Young readers should benefit from it. Great review once again.

[Diana Lowery]

Kudos to the illustrators. Every child will be attracted to the book through the cover. The story itself has so much that readers will enjoy.

Thank you for leaving a comment.

[Diana Lowery]

A sci-fi book for pre-teenagers that talks about how two friends are going on a field trip to the zoo. I love how the author uses animals in the zoo to demonstrate different aspects of light. I'm glad you enjoyed reading the book. Nice review.

Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.

[Diana Lowery]

Your review is very helpful and informative. You have summerised the book very well without giving any spoilers. I like how you have mentioned every little detail about the book without revealing the story. I do want to read the book and your review has boosted my urge to read the book.

I appreciate your feedback on my review.

[Diana Lowery]

Scientific books foe kids are not the easiest to write, especially when the author intends to present the idea in a fun but educative way. I think the author did justice to this one from your review. I like how you mentioned the salient points one should look out for when reading the book. Your review is detailed and concise and I look forward to reading this book.

I agree with you that this would be a hard subject to write about in a fun way.

[Diana Lowery]

From the cover, I thought this was a book for little children, but that is obviously not the case here. Nevertheless, turning a science lesson into a cute story is marvelous. I wish somebody had done that when I was that age; maybe I would have learned my lessons better...

Thank you for your thoughtful review. I enjoyed reading it!
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I, too, wish that my elementary science classes had been more entertaining. Thank you for your comment.