Dear Zoo – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Dear Zoo

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2022

88%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

The lift-the-flap classic that's been making toddlers giggle at zoo animals for 40+ years—and it still works.

Dear Zoo

book

2022

88%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

The lift-the-flap classic that's been making toddlers giggle at zoo animals for 40+ years—and it still works.

4.8

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Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare books that's been around since 1982 and still lands with modern toddlers. The formula is simple: repetitive text, lift-the-flap reveals, and friendly animals that are each 'wrong' in an obvious way (too big! too tall! too grumpy!) until the perfect pet arrives.

It's not going to blow your mind as an adult, but that's not the point. The point is that your 2-year-old will be utterly delighted every single time they lift that flap and see the monkey, even though they've seen it 500 times before. The interactive element keeps little hands busy, the rhythm makes it easy to memorize, and the lesson about finding the 'right fit' is genuinely useful.

Is it the most imaginative or enriching book on the shelf? No. But it does its job beautifully, and that 4.8 Amazon rating from thousands of parents tells you everything you need to know. It's a solid, reliable board book that earns its place in the toddler rotation.

Age Fit

Ideal for 1-4 year olds, with the sweet spot around 18 months to 3 years when the flaps are magical and the repetition is comforting rather than boring. By age 5, most kids will have moved on unless they're revisiting it nostalgically or reading to a younger sibling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A gentle, warm story about finding the right pet. The repetitive structure and friendly animal reveals create a calm, predictable experience perfect for toddlers. No scary moments, no conflict beyond 'this animal isn't quite right'—just pure, simple storytelling that respects young attention spans.

Imaginative

The lift-the-flap mechanism invites participation and anticipation—kids guess what's in the crate before revealing it. The premise of writing to a zoo for a pet is whimsical and sparks conversation about animals and their characteristics. However, it's ultimately a linear reveal story without deep world-building or open-ended play possibilities.

Safe

100

As safe as children's books get. No scary content, no mature themes, no surprises that could upset a young child. The animals are all friendly cartoon representations. Board book format with sturdy flaps means it's physically safe for toddlers who are still learning gentle handling.

Enriching

Teaches animal recognition, size concepts (too big, too tall, too grumpy), and the idea of matching characteristics to needs. The repetitive 'I wrote to the zoo...' refrain builds early literacy and prediction skills. Introduces the concept of pets and responsibility in an age-appropriate way. Not deeply educational, but solid foundational learning wrapped in an engaging format.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Interactive flaps keep even squirmy toddlers engaged—there's something to DO on every page
Repetitive structure is perfect for early language development and lets kids 'read' along after a few times through
Teaches animal names, characteristics, and the concept of 'right fit' in a way that makes sense to tiny brains
Sturdy board book format survives the inevitable chewing, dropping, and enthusiastic flap-lifting
Short enough (about 2 minutes) for bedtime when everyone's exhausted but you promised 'just one book'

⚠

What to Watch For

Flaps will eventually rip—it's not if, it's when. Consider it a rite of passage
The story is extremely simple; older preschoolers (4+) may find it babyish unless they're reading it to a younger sibling
Some kids get obsessed and want to read it 47 times in a row—prepare yourself mentally

Conversation Starters

"Which animal do you think is in the next box? Why?"
"Why wasn't the lion a good pet? What kind of home does a lion need?"
"If you could write to the zoo for any animal, what would you ask for?"
"What makes a good pet? What do pets need from us?"

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