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The Secret Zoo #3
Riddles and Danger
Noah, Megan, Richie, and Ella are the Action Scouts; friends whose tree house overlooks the Clarksville City Zoo. When they discover a magical world hidden within the zoo, they are swept away on an adventure in which penguins can fly, a mysterious figure lurks in the shadows, and the scouts are enlisted to help Mr. Darby, who is in charge of the Secret Zoo.
But will the scouts be able to fight against the dangerous sasquatches who have escaped the zoo and threaten their town? There’s only one way to find out if the four friends training as Crossers can help save the Secret Zoo.
But will the scouts be able to fight against the dangerous sasquatches who have escaped the zoo and threaten their town? There’s only one way to find out if the four friends training as Crossers can help save the Secret Zoo.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2011
387 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Chick
21 books147 followersThe idea of The Secret Zoo came to me when I was just nine years old. I wondered what it would be like if zoo exhibits had secret passages that allowed kids to get in and animals to get out. Over twenty years, this idea matured in complexity and length until it had become an epic story, to be told in ten full-length novels. When I'm not exploring the worlds in my head, I spend time speaking to likeminded peers at elementary schools across the nation. If you would like me to come visit your school, please contact info@BryanChick.com for more information or go to www.TheSecretZoo.com. Come visit my Facebook page at for updates at www.facebook.com/TheSecretZoo
Thanks for checking out my books!
Thanks for checking out my books!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 4, 2012
Noah and the rest of the Action Scouts are still training to be crossers. Now the dangerous sasquatches threaten not only the Secret Zoo, but the town where the Action Scouts live.Who will win? The Secret Zoo or the sasquatches?
Reasons why I like this book-
Reason 1- I couldn't stop reading.
Reason 2- I could imagine what was happening.
Reason 3- It made my imagination grow.
Reasons why I like this book-
Reason 1- I couldn't stop reading.
Reason 2- I could imagine what was happening.
Reason 3- It made my imagination grow.
January 17, 2024
My class absolutely adores this series! It’s well written with cliffhangers that the students really enjoy. For this particular book of the series, the action scouts are thrown into a new, challenging adventure. The end of the book leaves the next book up for such a good plot twist!
May 23, 2025
I liked it, but I don't think I liked it as much as the other ones. I couldn't wait to finish this one to begin to read the next one.
January 23, 2025
This is a REAL page turner!!! It is thrilling and funny. I COULD NOT put the book down!!!
July 2, 2020
Great Adventure
Great Adventure I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next one. I recommend it to anyone, it keeps you wanting more.
Great Adventure I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next one. I recommend it to anyone, it keeps you wanting more.
January 15, 2012
REaders that love fantasy and or animals will love the third book in the Secret Zoo series. Plenty of action and just enough at the end to suggest more books in the series.
October 18, 2013
This book is the best so far I have been waiting for it for so long :)
January 2, 2015
This is the 4th book in the series and my 8 year old and I are loving them all! Can't wait for the next one to come out!
April 19, 2014
The book was intense during some parts.
And other parts were scary, and I literally gasped during class at the end. So far the best book int the series
And other parts were scary, and I literally gasped during class at the end. So far the best book int the series
January 26, 2020
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and that got me through book 2 where there was very little action. Book 3, this one, has a lot more action, but I'm starting to get frustrated with how the author treats his female characters. The two girls, Ella and Megan, are reduced to side characters that have conversations about how cute their fellow students are and whether or not they want to get married.
While there is a bit of a reason behind the marriage question, it doesn't play very well except to highlight how unoriginal their conversation is and how little effort was given to build their characters past "girl, sister to Noah" and "girl, friend to Noah and Richie." Very disappointing.
The ending is slightly better at giving the two girls actual dialog and actions, but I'm not sure if that makes up for the conversation in the middle of the book... At this point, I have the last three books in the series to read, but it's going to be hard to get the desire to finish them after this one.
While there is a bit of a reason behind the marriage question, it doesn't play very well except to highlight how unoriginal their conversation is and how little effort was given to build their characters past "girl, sister to Noah" and "girl, friend to Noah and Richie." Very disappointing.
The ending is slightly better at giving the two girls actual dialog and actions, but I'm not sure if that makes up for the conversation in the middle of the book... At this point, I have the last three books in the series to read, but it's going to be hard to get the desire to finish them after this one.
February 1, 2023
I am reading this book with a reading group of nine- and ten-year-olds.
My personal choice would have been two stars, but the kids in the group are enjoying it, so I'll give it an extra star on that account.
I'm also trying to remember that it is awkward to come into a series partway through. There is a lot of reference to previous events. They are described, rather than mere quick references, so that is helpful, but it fet like some scenes were sort of bogged down with the need to reminisce.
It's also important to remember that I am not the target audience. This book falls firmly in the grounds of a book written for young readers - rather than a book intended for young readers to read together with their adults.
Again, the kids are enjoying it, but I probably won't pick up any of the other novels from the series on my own.
My personal choice would have been two stars, but the kids in the group are enjoying it, so I'll give it an extra star on that account.
I'm also trying to remember that it is awkward to come into a series partway through. There is a lot of reference to previous events. They are described, rather than mere quick references, so that is helpful, but it fet like some scenes were sort of bogged down with the need to reminisce.
It's also important to remember that I am not the target audience. This book falls firmly in the grounds of a book written for young readers - rather than a book intended for young readers to read together with their adults.
Again, the kids are enjoying it, but I probably won't pick up any of the other novels from the series on my own.
February 12, 2023
Once again, the scouts are back at the hidden zoo underneath Cinncinati's Zoo. Things have become even worse as more of the Sasquatches have gotten loose and are going after the animals as well as trying to break out of the zoo. It's a must now that the animals as well as the Defenders and Scout stop the Sasquatches from breaking out of the zoo, but will this become even more difficult as the Sasquatches fight back?
My 10 year old grandson is thoroughly enjoying this fantasy suspense novel as we each read and then discuss it together. This series is wonderful for 10-12 year old boys who love animals, suspense, and fantasy especially if they are ready to move into chapter books and away from the younger, easier books. This is also an enjoyable read for grandparents who want to share reading with grandchildren.
My 10 year old grandson is thoroughly enjoying this fantasy suspense novel as we each read and then discuss it together. This series is wonderful for 10-12 year old boys who love animals, suspense, and fantasy especially if they are ready to move into chapter books and away from the younger, easier books. This is also an enjoyable read for grandparents who want to share reading with grandchildren.
March 15, 2020
I was looking for a nice light series and I thought this would be it! Little did I know how intense this was going to get, or how emotionally invested I would become! I loved this series when I started reading it and I love it now!
February 12, 2021
BEST BOOK EVER
It was a great book with many details. It’s a fun kid friendly adventure that I love. You should definitely read this book. I love the plot line, too. A little mystery, mixed with adventure. =)
It was a great book with many details. It’s a fun kid friendly adventure that I love. You should definitely read this book. I love the plot line, too. A little mystery, mixed with adventure. =)
May 17, 2021
Jack says: At the end, you left off at a big big big BIG cliffhanger! I thought it was gross because of centipedes and other bugs, but I really liked it!
Mama says: My favorite one so far! Lots of action and scary scenes!
Mama says: My favorite one so far! Lots of action and scary scenes!
January 13, 2022
This book was way better than the second book of series. Much more action and suspense/danger. Probably kept us on our toes more than book and one and two. Pretty good revelation at the end of the book just when you think everything is ok. Will lead nicely to book four.
August 3, 2023
While my 9 year old loves me reading this series to him, I am not a fan. Each chapter is a cliffhanger and the dialogue is super lame. I enjoy the quality time with my son but wish it was more solid content!
August 3, 2025
Another great book in the series. Twists and turns along with sadness and happiness. I love getting to know more in and outs of the zoo and all the characters. Trying to picture all of it in my head, would love this series to become movies .
May 18, 2017
Better than book 2, maybe better than book 1
October 27, 2019
Action Pack
I like books filled with action and description. Very satisfying book! The boys were mostly the main, but fortunately the girls came into the battle as well.
I like books filled with action and description. Very satisfying book! The boys were mostly the main, but fortunately the girls came into the battle as well.
May 10, 2020
Previewed this book for my daughter who likes adventure stories. Great read for 3rd - 5th grade. Upbeat and suspenseful.
November 7, 2020
Another great adventure in the Secret Zoo! I love how each book exposes a little bit more of the history of the Secret Zoo and the bad guys they face.
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December 9, 2020THis book was fun. I liked it at the end with thte battle.
January 6, 2022
I read this with my daughter. Full of adventure and questions
October 12, 2022
I really liked it. It was scary at some parts, but it ended great!
-Reid, 8yo
-Reid, 8yo
December 22, 2022
Another interesting adventure of "The Scouts" it looks like the main villain is going to finally be making a showing.
April 12, 2023
2.5 stars
June 5, 2023
Amazing continuing series 👏!
This book carries a great amount of detail. Enabling my mind to wander into beautiful places. I recommend this book!
This book carries a great amount of detail. Enabling my mind to wander into beautiful places. I recommend this book!
August 28, 2023
Better than the second. 7 year old is still interested so on to number 4.
September 13, 2023
very good has a lot of danger and adventure in the book I recommend the all of Bryan chicks books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews