Wild About You!

by Judy Sierra, Marc Brown (Illustrations)

A story of adoption at the zoo for ages 2 to 8

The tree kangaroo at the zoo would like nothing more than a baby of her own. So, when a new egg arrives via the endangered species van, the 'roo jumps at the chance to take care of it, even when no one else wants it. Soon, out comes a penguin and all the animals chip in to help because, as the tree kangaroo says, "Penguins eat fishes."  

Told in Judy Sierra's classic rollicking rhyme, and paired with Marc Brown's breathtaking folk-art style paintings, Wild About You! is another delightful collaboration from this New York Times bestselling duo that fans of Wild About Books and ZooZical will want to adopt for their own book collections.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Adoption, Childrens, Family, Storytime, Juvenile

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 7, 2012

Reviews

[Julie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do a little back flip every time I find a clever children's book about adoption.

I'm icing my back as I write this.

[Meghan Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun book about adoption.

[Laura Salas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild About You!
by Judy Sierra
illustrated by Marc Brown
Alfred A. Knopf, 2012

Fabulous rhyming picture book by Judy Sierra! Take a bunch of adorable zoo babies, two animals who feel left out (panda and tree kangaroo) because THEY don't have any cute babies, an unidentified egg, and a stray kitten, and mix them together for a zoo adventure. This is charming and lovely--and funny. For instance:

"Blech! Babies are awful," the crocodiles told them.
"They bite and they scratch, and they howl when you hold them.
They won't do a thing that you want them to do.
And on top of all that, they make mountains of poo."

"May we have your babies?" the pandas asked sweetly.
"No! No!" cried their parents. "WE LOVE THEM COMPLETELY!"

This is just a flat-out entertaining picture book, but it is also a great discussion starter about family, diversity, adoption, etc.

This is my favorite Sierra book, I think.

[Asho · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Oh, that was a really cute one!" S announced as he saw me packing this up to take it back to the library. I agree with him that the animal illustrations were cute, if busy. I'd describe the story almost exactly the same way: cute, but a little busy/muddled with more than one message (it's sort of an adoption story and an "it takes a village" story...which I don't really see as the same thing).

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom, this book made me tear up a little while I was reading it to my daughter. It made me think about all of my mom friends and how much I care for their kids. I think this book can open up a discussion about love from people who aren’t your parents. Super sweet book, I also think this would be a good book for kids to talk about adoption.

[Teresa Scherping Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely all around! The zoo is full of new animal babies, but the tree kangaroo and panda couple want babies of their own. The little ones they end up with aren't quite what they expected, but they still love them completely! Softly textured illustrations, charming rhymes, and a sweet message about unusual families - what more could you want?

[Presley Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild About You! is a fun and heartwarming picture book that shows how much animals love and care for their families. The story uses playful rhymes and bright illustrations to tell how different animals adopt and raise babies that aren’t their own. It celebrates kindness, love, and the many ways families can look different but still be full of care.

[Brigitte Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wild About You!" by Judy Sierra is an inspiring, and heart-warming book. The book introduces a lot of fun and furry creatures living together in a zoo. The book shows a lot of different family dynamics between furry families at the zoo. A particular panda family and a kangaroo would really love to have babies but unfortunately they are unable to have their own babies. But one day, an egg is delivered to the zoo. The kangaroo decides that the egg will be safest in her pouch, and she decides that she will love whatever hatches from the egg, and she will be the baby's new mommy. Then, a baby kitten finds her way to the panda house, and makes herself at home with her new parents. The new parents realize that they need help from other animals in the zoo to take care of the new additions in their families. The book ends with "to bring up a baby, it takes a whole zoo!" With this book, children will learn about different family dynamics, as well as the value of teamwork.
I would love to use this book in a primary classroom, particularly with children ages 4-7. The book would reinforce the importance of accepting others, and helping out people in our community. I feel as though the children would be excited to read this book. Marc Brown's illustrations are vibrant, and particularly perfect for a young child's eyes. The introduction of several animals would keep children on their toes, and excited to learn about each of the animals' different family lives. I would recommend this book to any teacher that has a strong value system in his or her classroom. The only critique I have about this book is that I wish Judy Sierra would have created a stronger story line that would connect more personally with the reader. Other than that, I felt as though this book was super.

[Meghan Mcmanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild about you touches the heart by talking about a zoo and all the different animals at the zoo, all of the babies are being born different shapes and sizes, and then kangaroo finds an egg thats all by itself, he takes it and waits for it to hatch by taking care of it. All the animals think its weird because its different than kangaroo, but kangaroo doesnt care, he just wants to protect it. When the egg hatches it is a baby penguin, kangaroo takes it as its own and protects it, all of the other animals bring different things for the baby like food, love, protection, and milk. All of the animals help out and parent the baby penguin like its their own. This book teaches so much about family and being accepted for who you are, you shouldnt care about looks or differences, just about who you are and who takes care of you. Everyone needs a family and in Wild about you, all of the animals come into penguins life and take care of him like hes their own, nurturing him and helping him grow up. Family is forever, I would use this book in my 1st grade class and then have them draw what type of baby animal they would want and how they would take care of it.

Sierra, Judy, and Marc Tolon Brown. Wild about you!. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2012. Print.

[Kylie]

Summary:
There are many different types of animals at the zoo. In this particular zoo everyone is having their very own babies. Kangaroo desperately wants a baby and is eager to accept the arrival of a new egg. Kangaroo is so happy when the day comes that their baby is hatched. Turns out kangaroo has a new penguin to love and hold dear. Everyone at the zoo is very happy for the new family.

Audience:
The book is targeted for adopted elementary children.

Appeal:
This book is a perfect fit for adopted elementary children because it shows that no matter where you come from, family is family and will love you no matter what. The book is great for telling about adoption and how diverse, as well as accepting, all the animals were.

Implementation:
I would incorporate this book into my lesson plans to let children know about how diverse the world is. I would teach them about adoption and explain to them this different type of lifestyle. Using the book, it would show to children how unique and special families can be.

Source:
Sierra, J., & Brown, M. T. (2012). Wild about you!. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

We *LOVE* this book. Although it doesn't list adoption in the CIP, it is a terrific adoption tale. Ms. Tree Kangaroo and the Pandas are so sad that everyone else has babies but they don't. The crocs tell them how horrible babies are and then won't give them away because they love them (how many times have we heard that!) The rescue truck shows up with an egg and Ms. Kanga offers to incubate it, love it completely and can't wait to listen to it sing sweetly. But the egg doesn't quite hatch out the bird she imagined. Meanwhile the Pandas are black, white, and BLUE... until their pandalicious true love finds its way into their laps.

Every night we read this sweet tale to our cool pandacat/sweet pengaroo, who we love completely, regardless of how he made his way to us.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I, both seasoned children's librarians, were looking for the perfect title for our 4yrld nephew who just became a big brother. We wanted something that would speak to the experience of adding to the family without being overly preachy or didactic. This was just perfect. Most of the animals at the zoo are busy having babies, but the pandas and the lone tree-kangaroo are unhappily childless. Without being overtly pushy or preachy, this book gives children the opportunity to think about adoption, different types of families, the choice to have children or not, and the role of community in child rearing. Of course, mostly the children will just enjoy the rhyming text, Marc Brown's cheery illustrations and the happy zoo animals.

[Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the messages of community, diversity, acceptance and adoption in this book. But it wouldn't be a good fit for storytime, but works better for one on one read with kindergartener or first grader. I don't think the illustrations (as colorful and layered as Marc Brown has made them) were a little jam packed and I had trouble reading the text on a few. (Some did do this blurred background thing that worked out, but not for a sharing in a big group.) I also I think it would have been more interesting just to focus on one character and not both the kangaroo rat and the pandas as central figures in this zoo. It felt underdeveloped to me.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are cute babies and happy parents all over the zoo. But the Pandas and the Tree Kangaroo desperately want a baby, too. When "Endangered Species Rescue" delivers an egg of unknown origin, tree kangaroo decides to hatch it. When it hatches, it's a penguin. But Tree Kangaroo loves her "pengaroo" anyway. Then the pandas find a lost kitten. "You're roly. You're poly. You're quite pandalicous. Yes, you are the answer to our wildest wishes." They love their little "pandacat".

"Every kid needs a family, we know that it's true. And to bring up a baby, it takes a whole zoo." A sweet story to help students see adoption as a positive thing.

Theme: nontraditional families, adoptions

[Kasey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book is a cute book about animals, working together, and families. In this book an endangered egg is dropped off at the zoo and the kangaroo volunteers to watch and hatch the egg. When the egg hatches a penguin comes out. The whole zoo comes together to help raise this little penguin. This is also a great book to have them see the different animal families and what they look like and what their babies look like. Great for kindergarten level of readers.

Sierra, J., & Brown, M. T. (2012). Wild about you!. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a joy! Bright, richly detailed illustrations leap off the page and provide plenty to look at. The story centers on a tree kangaroo and a panda couple both of whom want babies. But when the zookeeper brings his truck around, could their dreams come true? This book doesn't hit anyone over the head with any messages, but it's still a lovely story about acceptance, individuality, family love and adoption. Oh, and it's a fun read-aloud, too!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another F&G from BEA. I so loved WILD ABOUT BOOKS, and I enjoyed ZOOZICAL, so I was anxious to read the latest collaboration of Judy Sierra and Marc Brown! Cute illustrations and a nice message of family and taking care of one another, and maybe even a little diversity and acceptance that could be expanded upon.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

My ever favorite Judy Sierra -- one of the most eclectic children's book authors -- returns to something familiar with her collaborator Marc Brown. We are back at the zoo. After Wild about Books and Zoosical, spring as arrived along with the babies. And those without find ways to pitch in proving it takes a whole zoo to raise a baby.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The crew of Springfield Zoo created by Judy Sierra with pictures by Marc Brown are back in all their happy glory. Rhymes with a distinctive beat abound as the importance of family, every member, unfolds surrounded by the colorful, warm illustrations readers have come to appreciate and love.
My full review at:
http://bit.ly/Q0psij

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super cute story about two animal families - a single tree kangaroo and a panda couple - that desperately want a baby. Each family receives a baby of a different animal (the kangaroo nurses a peguin and the pandas raise a kitten) and proceed to love it completely despite the differences. Cute, inspiring, and full of warm fuzzies.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild About You! by Judy Sierra, pictures by Marc Brown - K-3rd grade- Loved this continuing story about the zoo, beautiful illustrations, rhyming text that is endearing, not annoying, and lovely messages - it takes a village to raise a child, or a whole zoo to bring up a baby!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Judy Sierra does rhyming so well ad Marc Brown's illustrations are fun. I love all the little animal babies in the different page spreads.

And yes. This would be a great title when talking about adoption!

[Ensignlibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Includes some great themes about community, adoption, and unconditional love –well you can’t go wrong. Not to mention the great art by Marc Brown. Its slightly lyrical, very colorful, and sweet as can be.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhyming story by Judy Sierra and accompanied by Marc Brown's watercolor, gauche, and colored pencil illustrations on wood panels. When a motherless egg is brought to the zoo, the Tree Kangaroo volunteers her pouch to hatch the egg and become the mother, and all the other animals help!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how the animals came together to take care of a new baby that the veterinarian brought to the zoo. I loved the illustrations that accompanied it since they added depth to the story. It was beautiful.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in rhyme, this is a story of adoption, in a way. The animals at the zoo are all having babies, except for the panda and the tree kangaroo. They finally get their wishes, although not quite what they expected - a pengaroo and a pandacat - and a zoo-full of helpful animals.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that reaffirms that it doesn't matter where one comes from, "it takes a zoo" and a whole lot of love to care for and raise a little one. My three year old niece loved the pictures, as she tried to find the different baby animals on each page.

[Aramis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute!!
A beautiful story of unconditional love.

It's about a mom and dad panda and a tree kangaroo who see all the animals in the zoo have babies and want a family of their own. The tree kangaroo adopts an egg that no one wanted, and the panda's adopt a different animal as their own.

[Vivi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sort of wandering story that felt like it switched tracks a couple times. Could have worked better with just the kangaroo or panda family. Works for: Adoption- families- zoo -animals. Busy art, but bright and good for playing I Spy.