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Slow Loris
In the zoo, where Slow Loris lives, he's just, well, slow. Boring. It takes him ten minutes to eat a satsuma. An hour to scratch his bottom. Hardly the most exciting sight at the zoo. But Loris doesn't care. He has a secret...at night, when the rest of the zoo is sleeping...Slow Loris is a slow loris. In the wild, slow lorises spend their days sleeping in trees, their bodies rolled into tight balls. At night, they feed in the trees on insects, bird's eggs, small birds, shoots and fruit, seldom coming down to the ground.
32 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2002
About the author
Alexis Deacon
28 books73 followersAlexis Deacon is an acclaimed author and illustrator. Beegu and Jitterbug Jam, both of which he illustrated, were named as New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the Year. He lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 16, 2019
Slow Loris - who is, well... a slow loris - liked to take things easy. It took him ten minutes to eat a satsuma, twenty minutes to cross the branch from one end of his enclosure to the other, and an hour to scratch his bottom, and the visitors to the zoo where he lived found him rather boring. So too did his fellow zoo animals, until the night they discovered his secret: that Slow Loris came alive at night...
English picture-book author/artist Alexis Deacon is someone whose books have been sincerely recommended to me a number of times, and recently having decided to explore his work, I thought I would start with this debut title. I enjoyed Slow Loris, although I found the artwork, which makes copious use of darker shades, and has a very earthy feeling to it, to be more interesting than the narrative. Although I can't say I was blown away by my first Deacon experience, I do plan to persevere (my friend was VERY enamored), and try another. Perhaps Beegu ...?
English picture-book author/artist Alexis Deacon is someone whose books have been sincerely recommended to me a number of times, and recently having decided to explore his work, I thought I would start with this debut title. I enjoyed Slow Loris, although I found the artwork, which makes copious use of darker shades, and has a very earthy feeling to it, to be more interesting than the narrative. Although I can't say I was blown away by my first Deacon experience, I do plan to persevere (my friend was VERY enamored), and try another. Perhaps Beegu ...?
April 20, 2008
surprising facts about the life of a slow loris living with his friends in the zoo. the mexican sombrero pages are my favorite.
August 15, 2013
This...book...is...so...awesome.
October 27, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book and liked the idea of Loris having a secret life. It also opens children up to thinking about different perspectives and teaching children that there’s more than what you first see.
September 20, 2021
Slow Loris lives in a zoo and appears to the visitors and other animals to be very lazy and lethargic. But Sloe Loris has a rather wonderful secret!! I really like this book!
November 1, 2018
Loved this one by Deacon! It is visually stimulating and follows the loveable character of Loris who is rather slow in the day time. But as the story progresses the reader learns that Loris has very wild times at night where he truly comes alive. This could be used as an entertaining text for cross-curricular learning, particularly in science following the life of animals that are nocturnal.
June 24, 2008
I love Alexis Deacon, and Slow Loris is my favorite of his books. Slow Loris is slow, and others find him boring, but he is unconcerned, for Slow Loris has a secret life. Late at night, while everyone else sleeps, he indulges in his crazy passion for hats and ties and drumming on pans. Once the other animals in the zoo find out, they join in, but you get the feeling that Slow Loris wouldn't care if they disapproved. Yeah, he might have enjoyed the company that night, but even if they never party with him again, Slow Loris will live his life the Slow Loris way. Slow Loris is my hero. You can't call him selfish - he welcomed everyone to his hat and tie party, after all - but he just does his own thing. I love him so much that I got that awesome behind-the-flap, wearing-commie-star-and-ear-flap, banging-on-pot-with-wooden-spoon picture tattooed on my arm. Someday I will be just like Slow Loris, only without the ties, as I find ties uncomfortable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2008
I love Alexis Deacon's style! This is an imaginative and beautiful story with a message that is very true to my heart- Don't judge a book by its cover, and most importantly: It's okay to take your time over things! I was/am always being criticized for being slow! I recommend all of Deacon's own books and collaborations!
April 18, 2023
This is a short story about a “slow” moving sloth named Loris. The story explains that during the day Loris is slow and only can move so much but when it’s night Loris is incredibly fast until she is so tired that she can’t do anything the following day. Eventually, the other animals notice this and join Loris to party all night long to the point that they can move the next day. The illustrations have a unique style and form and I notice the color black is used quite frequently. The style of illustrations has a mess like detail work in black but still holds up to the style of the book. The use of the color black is everywhere in the details and the night itself. The writing has the same type of design as the detailed work throughout the book. The position of the writing also places a part in the book to keep the reader engaged with the book and to show expression. This is a fun and engaging book for kids that teachers them some facts about sloths.
September 23, 2019
This book told the tale of a slow loris who was very misunderstood! Everybody thought he was slow and boring, but really they just didn’t know the real him, when he came out to party at night. This is a concept that some children may relate to- people not getting to know the real them! Once everyone got to know the slow loris, they all realised that he was lots of fun. The book also had a comedic factor which children will love, like ‘scratching his bum’, and the little hat he wears at night. I think this would be a lovely book for a classroom, and really paints the picture of inclusion.
June 10, 2021
There was something really special about this book. I love that it was Deacon’s debut picture book! Really creative illustrations and enjoyable text layout. Would very much recommend giving this a read!
June 11, 2018
I had never heard of a slow loris before reading this picture book, but now I'm intrigued! A sweet story of what could be taking place after hours in a zoo. ;)
November 1, 2018
About a slow loris who does things really fast at night when no one is looking!
September 25, 2019
A really sweet and short picture book for younger children.
September 28, 2019
What a perfect book! I loved, loved, loved the illustrations - slow loris is the cutest! Funny story, too. Would be a great book after a zoo trip where "the animals didn't do anything!" Very fun.
February 28, 2020
Read for class
April 25, 2021
I liked the art, I liked the story, but I don't think the two went together very well. The story is sweet and funny and the art is so dark and dreary.
Read
April 18, 2016Narrative structure:
Slow Loris spends all day doing the bare minimum, from climbing and sleeping he is presented as a being boring by the fellow tourist visiting the zoo and by peers. However unbeknown to others apart from the reader, we know this is certainly not the case. Alexis’ commonly enjoys creating picture books which cover the theme of feeling an outsider and being different (see example, Beegus; croc and bird) from this book both themes are apparent.
Language choice:
The book is written in second person told in a way in which someone is telling the reader what is going on. Characters personalities and creativeness are displayed through the choice of font the author uses, to identify those whom are less open-minded the writing is thick, however when the reader discovers Loris as much more than boring the font changes which is then spread out and clear to read, which gives the reader understanding of the difference in personalities.
Picture book codes:
Through parts of the story where the reader is shown Loris is boring, the pictures are placed upon a rectangular frame. The use of framing allows the reader to identify the situation in which Loris is in, being able to glimpse inside Loris cage. However, when it becomes night we are shown Loris is not as boring and far from it this is when the frame disappears, which indicates the freedom which Loris now has. The use of having a rectangular frame also is important to note this certain shape is associated with insecurity which links to the text shown to the reader, in which states Loris is lazy.
Within the second page, there were numerous diminishing returns of Louis, in a frame sitting on the bottom right of the page. The use of the low imagery shows the reader how low Lois is feeling. The colours used in this scene are dull such as black these colours gave the impression that Loris was disappointed, or in a state of unwillingness. This however then changes in relation to happiness Louis gains when in a happy state.
At the first half of the book in which the reader has not discovered Loris is not lazy there is a greater use of jagged lines which run across themselves, which display the intense emotions. However, when reading the second half of the book the reader is displayed with smooth lines, which give the indication of the calmness, this is also apparent how all cross hatching is no longer displayed.
Implied reader:
For a reader to be able to read this book to its full extent, it is important for a child to learn some skills which will thus allow them to get the full interaction from the story. Firstly, to be able to understand the book a child would need to understand what a zoo is. To not have this knowledge the book would be confusing, and questions would arise as why does an animal in a zoo have to do something spectacular. Secondly, a child would need to understand how to read a sentence which is not in a straight line, on page 3 the writing is written across a branch, firstly written on the bottom of the branch then counties to on the top leading to the next page. Without this knowledge, a child would not read the whole sentence which will thus not make sense. Thirdly, a child reading this book would need to have the knowledge the sentence can carry along the next page, and does not need to be written on one page. Lastly, a child would need the knowledge of how to pull across a flap also how to open a flap door. This knowledge is critical as parts of the story are hidden which the reader would need to open up to discover what occurs next.
Having all these understanding will allow the reader to get the full potential of what the book is about, without having this knowledge can also impact a child’s interest, running the risk of making a book boring could scar a child from future reading even in a child’s adolescent years, a child may fear reading as it is not something which interest them or finds hard, a practitioner would need to keep this in mind when thinking of a book to read to a child.
Slow Loris spends all day doing the bare minimum, from climbing and sleeping he is presented as a being boring by the fellow tourist visiting the zoo and by peers. However unbeknown to others apart from the reader, we know this is certainly not the case. Alexis’ commonly enjoys creating picture books which cover the theme of feeling an outsider and being different (see example, Beegus; croc and bird) from this book both themes are apparent.
Language choice:
The book is written in second person told in a way in which someone is telling the reader what is going on. Characters personalities and creativeness are displayed through the choice of font the author uses, to identify those whom are less open-minded the writing is thick, however when the reader discovers Loris as much more than boring the font changes which is then spread out and clear to read, which gives the reader understanding of the difference in personalities.
Picture book codes:
Through parts of the story where the reader is shown Loris is boring, the pictures are placed upon a rectangular frame. The use of framing allows the reader to identify the situation in which Loris is in, being able to glimpse inside Loris cage. However, when it becomes night we are shown Loris is not as boring and far from it this is when the frame disappears, which indicates the freedom which Loris now has. The use of having a rectangular frame also is important to note this certain shape is associated with insecurity which links to the text shown to the reader, in which states Loris is lazy.
Within the second page, there were numerous diminishing returns of Louis, in a frame sitting on the bottom right of the page. The use of the low imagery shows the reader how low Lois is feeling. The colours used in this scene are dull such as black these colours gave the impression that Loris was disappointed, or in a state of unwillingness. This however then changes in relation to happiness Louis gains when in a happy state.
At the first half of the book in which the reader has not discovered Loris is not lazy there is a greater use of jagged lines which run across themselves, which display the intense emotions. However, when reading the second half of the book the reader is displayed with smooth lines, which give the indication of the calmness, this is also apparent how all cross hatching is no longer displayed.
Implied reader:
For a reader to be able to read this book to its full extent, it is important for a child to learn some skills which will thus allow them to get the full interaction from the story. Firstly, to be able to understand the book a child would need to understand what a zoo is. To not have this knowledge the book would be confusing, and questions would arise as why does an animal in a zoo have to do something spectacular. Secondly, a child would need to understand how to read a sentence which is not in a straight line, on page 3 the writing is written across a branch, firstly written on the bottom of the branch then counties to on the top leading to the next page. Without this knowledge, a child would not read the whole sentence which will thus not make sense. Thirdly, a child reading this book would need to have the knowledge the sentence can carry along the next page, and does not need to be written on one page. Lastly, a child would need the knowledge of how to pull across a flap also how to open a flap door. This knowledge is critical as parts of the story are hidden which the reader would need to open up to discover what occurs next.
Having all these understanding will allow the reader to get the full potential of what the book is about, without having this knowledge can also impact a child’s interest, running the risk of making a book boring could scar a child from future reading even in a child’s adolescent years, a child may fear reading as it is not something which interest them or finds hard, a practitioner would need to keep this in mind when thinking of a book to read to a child.
January 20, 2015
Day in, day out, the unassuming Slow Loris spends most of his time being pointed at and stared at at the local Zoo. With only a limited amount of things to do, from climbing trees, to sleeping, the Slow Loris finds that he unwittingly gains the title of being ‘boring’. However, unbeknownst to the rest of his fellow animals and Zoo Kepers, this most certainly isn’t the case.
Suitable for ages 3 and over, Slow Loris cleverly builds up the humour throughout the story. Alexis Deacon writes a comical yet endearing narrative, with each sentence taking on the slow temperament of the main character. Sentences continually conclude in ellipses, highlighting the gradual thought process of the Slow loris, ‘Slow Loris was a slow Loris. He really was… very… slow’, with the minimalism of each sentence only adding to the dry sense of humour the story.
Deacon illustrates the book, effortlessly incorporating the words of each sentence into the pictures, from sentences swirling around branches, to words dropping down to the ground to symbolise the Slow Loris sleeping. Slow Loris encourages participation from the class and would be a great resource for the expressive arts within Early Years and Key Stage 1, especially drama and music lessons, as an important aspect of the story is sound and pace. This would also make a great addition to a geography session, providing the opportunity to teach the class about a Slow Loris’ habitat and characteristics.
Suitable for ages 3 and over, Slow Loris cleverly builds up the humour throughout the story. Alexis Deacon writes a comical yet endearing narrative, with each sentence taking on the slow temperament of the main character. Sentences continually conclude in ellipses, highlighting the gradual thought process of the Slow loris, ‘Slow Loris was a slow Loris. He really was… very… slow’, with the minimalism of each sentence only adding to the dry sense of humour the story.
Deacon illustrates the book, effortlessly incorporating the words of each sentence into the pictures, from sentences swirling around branches, to words dropping down to the ground to symbolise the Slow Loris sleeping. Slow Loris encourages participation from the class and would be a great resource for the expressive arts within Early Years and Key Stage 1, especially drama and music lessons, as an important aspect of the story is sound and pace. This would also make a great addition to a geography session, providing the opportunity to teach the class about a Slow Loris’ habitat and characteristics.
December 19, 2013
Slow Loris is a slow loris. All the other animals at the zoo think Slow Loris is boring because he is
very
very
slow.
All the visitors to the zoo this Slow Loris is boring because his is
very
very
slow.
But Loris has a secret...
One night the other animals at the zoo learn Loris' secret and discover he isn't quite as boring as they thought.
One of my all-time favorite picture books! A short simple store paired with wonderful illustrations make this book perfect for picture book lovers of all ages.
very
very
slow.
All the visitors to the zoo this Slow Loris is boring because his is
very
very
slow.
But Loris has a secret...
One night the other animals at the zoo learn Loris' secret and discover he isn't quite as boring as they thought.
One of my all-time favorite picture books! A short simple store paired with wonderful illustrations make this book perfect for picture book lovers of all ages.
September 19, 2013
Slow Loris may be slow during the day, but that's just because at night he's a real party animal.
Parents who aren't too keen on zoos will want to be aware that this book is set in one, and not a very modern one at that. Think the old "Plexiglass menagerie" in which the animal just sits in a barren concrete square with maybe one branch if he's lucky. Modern zoos have moved away from this design.
Parents who aren't too keen on zoos will want to be aware that this book is set in one, and not a very modern one at that. Think the old "Plexiglass menagerie" in which the animal just sits in a barren concrete square with maybe one branch if he's lucky. Modern zoos have moved away from this design.
September 11, 2015
Slow Loris is a book about a Loris at a zoo that is called slow because he moves very slow, takes a long time to complete a task, and sleeps all day. However, the other animals quickly discover that Loris is slow because he is up all night doing wild and fun things. This book would be entertaining for children because of all the silly antics the animals at the zoo get into and would be a good way to discuss nocturnal animals with children.
July 23, 2007
The story is a cute idea, but I didn't like the illustrations all that much or the layout. I din't find the text that intriquing either. I supposed it depends on what age group you were planning on using it with. However, there probably aren't that many fiction picture books about slow loris', so in that case it is pretty cool.
January 10, 2008
One of my all time favorite children's books. The illustrations are totally unique as is the story line. A slow loris (a kind of primate for those who don't know) lives at the zoo and everyone thinks he's the most boring animal there. But when the sun sets, this nocturnal primates puts on his party hat and lets loose. It's a cute book about a little know animal that is very dear to my heart.
June 17, 2016
I looked at this book with my year two class during reciprocal reading. it has great illustrations and a lovely moral at the end. children thoruoughly enjoyed looking at the pictures and making predications about why Slow Loris is slowwwwwwwwww......a great book for reciprocal reading with small groups!!
November 9, 2012
This would be a great book to read to a class filled with animal loves. This is a very interesting and exciting book to read. This book explains what a Loris is and their way a life. It also shares the secret life of the Loris while in the zoo.
March 11, 2009
Love it for my slow storytime and to compare the illustrations with Slowly, Slowly, Slowly says the sloth by Eric Carle.
October 7, 2016
The Loris is slow because he parties all night...soon the other animals catch on and then all of them are slow. I feel like the slow loris.
January 14, 2012
Lorisssssssssssss
Slow loris is the best animal in the world. He loves everything and he is very slow, except when he does things FAST <3
Slow loris is the best animal in the world. He loves everything and he is very slow, except when he does things FAST <3
September 1, 2012
Good use of lifting flaps and language. Really well put together. Maybe if we all work at it Slow Loris can be the new Bear?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews