"All the animals down at the zoo
Are snuffling and snorting and sneezing ACHOO.
The lions won't roar, and the tigers just mew."
We could have used this book in every classroom as we struggled to contain the H1N1 virus in the fall and spring. Reminders to wash hands, and cough into sleeves and a campaign to immunize as many people as possible seemed to keep it at bay, for the most part. Watching Felicity's trek through the zoo and the chaos she leaves behind her may have sparked some interesting discussions in homes and classrooms.
The sentiment for the story is evident on the endpapers, colored a gruesome green (remind you of anything?) and little handprints everywhere you look. On to the witty dedication: 'This book is for Kevin, who always has a tissue, and for Eden and Griffin, who always need one.' It's cleverly displayed on the signpost behind a sickly looking girl, wrapped in a long striped scarf and doing damage even to dandelions with her germy breath.
Poor animals...they look dismal, downhearted and dreading the arrival of guests. Even the hyenas are crying, not laughing. The zookeeper can't figure it out, but he knows he's got trouble. Ah, to the heart of the story...only the storyteller knows the truth. It seems Felicity is the cause, all right. Upon arrival she wiped her 'sniffly' nose without a tissue and you know how that turns out. As she visits each animal, she spreads those germs through touch and then goes on her way, leaving the zoo with the Floo.
It's fun and filled with light humor. Kids will love searching for all of those green handprints...yuk!
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