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Amanda Noble, Zookeeper Extraordinaire
Fifteen-year-old Amanda Noble lives in a zoo, dealing with flatulent monkeys, rowdy alligators, and thieving birds on a regular basis. But when her father begins appearing on TV with the animals, embarrassing her beyond measure, Amanda's life becomes a zoo. Any hope of normalcy is lost when a local gangster begins pressuring the Noble's to sell the zoo. Selling is out of the question, until the Noble's find themselves needing money to help a family friend who is arrested for murder. Worse yet, is Amanda's realization that her feelings for the guy who's been her best friend since kindergarten have morphed into something she no longer recognizes. Oddly, it's just another day in the life of a zookeeper extraordinaire.
184 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2007
14 people want to read
About the author
Lesa Boutin
5 books6 followersLesa lives outside Houston where she is a writer with Writers in the Schools. The main thing to know about Lesa is that she is a daydream believer.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 14, 2017
🍪🍪🍪🍪
3.5 Cookies
Check it out on my blog!
I recived this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
It literally took me a whole week to finish this. I don't really know why, but it did. There were several aspects of this book that I really enjoyed, and some that I did not. So I'm just going to go though them both:
Cons: (I start with cons because why end with something bad?)
🍪: Basically. I knew what was going to happen wayyyyy before it did. None of the plot twist were a surprise.
🍪: The next point was it moved so slowwww at the beggining. The hardest thing for me was waiting to get past all the relationship goo to finally get the action.
🍪: Amanda disliked her dad for a good half of the beggining of the book. WHY AMANDA WHYYYY!!!???
Pros: (Lets end on a happy note shall we?)
🍪: I liked Amanda so much (even if she disliked her dad...) She was just a fun character to read about. This character was awkward. And I liked that about her. She was so sweet and caring. And I just loved her so much for that.
🍪: It was about a zoo. Need I say more?
🍪: The actual storyline was intriguing. It was a fun read and I enjoyed the story overall.
I give this book a thumbs up honestly. It was a good story! I would reccommend this, because it really is underated.
3.5 Cookies
Check it out on my blog!
I recived this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
It literally took me a whole week to finish this. I don't really know why, but it did. There were several aspects of this book that I really enjoyed, and some that I did not. So I'm just going to go though them both:
Cons: (I start with cons because why end with something bad?)
🍪: Basically. I knew what was going to happen wayyyyy before it did. None of the plot twist were a surprise.
🍪: The next point was it moved so slowwww at the beggining. The hardest thing for me was waiting to get past all the relationship goo to finally get the action.
🍪: Amanda disliked her dad for a good half of the beggining of the book. WHY AMANDA WHYYYY!!!???
Pros: (Lets end on a happy note shall we?)
🍪: I liked Amanda so much (even if she disliked her dad...) She was just a fun character to read about. This character was awkward. And I liked that about her. She was so sweet and caring. And I just loved her so much for that.
🍪: It was about a zoo. Need I say more?
🍪: The actual storyline was intriguing. It was a fun read and I enjoyed the story overall.
I give this book a thumbs up honestly. It was a good story! I would reccommend this, because it really is underated.
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Allison Fraclose for TeensReadToo.com
No matter how much her best friend, Kyler, swears it, 15-year-old Amanda Noble will never think her dorky dad is cool.
Sure, he bought a zoo in honor of her zoologist mom, but does he have to drive around in a zebra-striped truck that has the Tarzan yell for a horn, and consistently embarrass her by doing those regular "Getting Up With the Chickens" spots on the morning show? He's been even worse since Amanda's mother passed away, ignoring the bills that now threaten to shut down Noble's Ark. It's all Amanda can do to keep things running while her dad pretends to be some sort of animal superhero.
Things get even tougher when a mobster shows up one day, offering money to buy the zoo. Amanda knows her father would never sell, but when a family friend finds himself accused of a crime, Amanda's father is forced to put their business at risk in order to help him.
Suddenly, Amanda's life is even more of a zoo than before, with mob goons staking out the grounds, a crime to solve, and the absolute worst--an unexpected jealousy over Kyler's new relationship with the airheaded Vanessa.
Amanda's going to have to take matters into her own hands if anything about this miserable situation is to turn out right.
Boutin gives us a fresh, interesting voice in Amanda, a realistic girl who lives in extraordinary circumstances. This is one story to laugh-out-loud with, and which will appeal to the hearts of any girl who both loves and hates to be a little bit different.
No matter how much her best friend, Kyler, swears it, 15-year-old Amanda Noble will never think her dorky dad is cool.
Sure, he bought a zoo in honor of her zoologist mom, but does he have to drive around in a zebra-striped truck that has the Tarzan yell for a horn, and consistently embarrass her by doing those regular "Getting Up With the Chickens" spots on the morning show? He's been even worse since Amanda's mother passed away, ignoring the bills that now threaten to shut down Noble's Ark. It's all Amanda can do to keep things running while her dad pretends to be some sort of animal superhero.
Things get even tougher when a mobster shows up one day, offering money to buy the zoo. Amanda knows her father would never sell, but when a family friend finds himself accused of a crime, Amanda's father is forced to put their business at risk in order to help him.
Suddenly, Amanda's life is even more of a zoo than before, with mob goons staking out the grounds, a crime to solve, and the absolute worst--an unexpected jealousy over Kyler's new relationship with the airheaded Vanessa.
Amanda's going to have to take matters into her own hands if anything about this miserable situation is to turn out right.
Boutin gives us a fresh, interesting voice in Amanda, a realistic girl who lives in extraordinary circumstances. This is one story to laugh-out-loud with, and which will appeal to the hearts of any girl who both loves and hates to be a little bit different.
April 19, 2018
I know what you're thinking. An audiobook review from me? It's a rare thing. I usually have a hard time concentrating on audiobooks, although I do enjoy them, but I really felt like listening to this one for some reason and I'm so glad I did because I adored the story. The start was a bit slow for me but after the first 30% or so I could hardly stop listening. I did guess how things would end up going but I didn't really mind because this book was such a joy to listen to.
The title of this book probably says it all, this is about a 15 year-old girl named Amanda Noble that lives in a zoo, which I think is such a cool concept. Now I kinda wish I lived in a zoo... But anyway, back to the story. I absolutely loved Amanda and her snark. Aside from the living in a zoo thing she seemed a pretty typical teenager with a dad who was a bit clueless and dorky and crushing on her best friend, Kyler. The story really starts getting interesting mobsters start showing up and Amanda gets involved in a mystery that may or may not include a murder.
The secondary characters were all pretty loveable. I really liked Amanda's dad even though he was a bit clueless at the start. I loved that he was a bit of a hero at the end, though. With Amanda's best friend, Kyler, I went back and forth. Sometimes he was just a typical clueless teenage boy that kind of frustrated me but other times he seemed like the smartest person out of whole cast. I even liked Vanessa to a certain point because she did seem to want to be really friends with Amanda.
I was a little surprised by how suspenseful this book actually was. Especially towards the end the suspense was kicked up a notch and I just had to know how it would end. I loved that. And another thing, this story was HILARIOUS. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much with a book. The things Amanda says and the shenanigans she gets into are too funny for words. I laughed out loud several times. I also feel like I have to mention that there was a Harry Potter reference once or twice, which made me smile. And even if the story doesn't hook you right away, the end of chapter 6 definitely will!
About the narrator:
Amanda Noble, #Zoolife was the first book I have listened to that was narrated by Katherine Littrell. I loved the voices she did for each character, especially when she did accents. I just loved that. I'd definitely want to listen to more books she narrated. I literally have nothing negative to say. She did such a good job!
The title of this book probably says it all, this is about a 15 year-old girl named Amanda Noble that lives in a zoo, which I think is such a cool concept. Now I kinda wish I lived in a zoo... But anyway, back to the story. I absolutely loved Amanda and her snark. Aside from the living in a zoo thing she seemed a pretty typical teenager with a dad who was a bit clueless and dorky and crushing on her best friend, Kyler. The story really starts getting interesting mobsters start showing up and Amanda gets involved in a mystery that may or may not include a murder.
The secondary characters were all pretty loveable. I really liked Amanda's dad even though he was a bit clueless at the start. I loved that he was a bit of a hero at the end, though. With Amanda's best friend, Kyler, I went back and forth. Sometimes he was just a typical clueless teenage boy that kind of frustrated me but other times he seemed like the smartest person out of whole cast. I even liked Vanessa to a certain point because she did seem to want to be really friends with Amanda.
I was a little surprised by how suspenseful this book actually was. Especially towards the end the suspense was kicked up a notch and I just had to know how it would end. I loved that. And another thing, this story was HILARIOUS. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much with a book. The things Amanda says and the shenanigans she gets into are too funny for words. I laughed out loud several times. I also feel like I have to mention that there was a Harry Potter reference once or twice, which made me smile. And even if the story doesn't hook you right away, the end of chapter 6 definitely will!
About the narrator:
Amanda Noble, #Zoolife was the first book I have listened to that was narrated by Katherine Littrell. I loved the voices she did for each character, especially when she did accents. I just loved that. I'd definitely want to listen to more books she narrated. I literally have nothing negative to say. She did such a good job!
December 6, 2017
This book is so up my street.
As an animal lover myself, and a slightly awkward person at that, an animal loving main character who lives in a zoo (what a dream!) and has awkward encounters multiple times akin to Bridget Jones and her giant pants (except perhaps more PG rated) this is exactly what I'm looking for in a book. And this book is also so funny. I'm not sure if it's designed to be funny or not but the combination of crazy animal antics, an embarrassing dad on TV and the friends but not really "just" friends (to anyone with eyes) relationship between the main character and her "best friend" just had me giggling all the way through.
I should be ashamed really, because some elements are quite serious - I mean, their neighbour is being accused of murdering his wife, Manda's dad might have to put the zoo in jeopardy to help (and he's still embarrassing her on TV!) and Manda's "best friend" is now getting all snuggly with some other girl. So, shame on me for laughing right? But I challenge you not to!
A short, funny and really warm-hearted read about a girl, a zoo and a suspected criminal or two.
ARC provided free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As an animal lover myself, and a slightly awkward person at that, an animal loving main character who lives in a zoo (what a dream!) and has awkward encounters multiple times akin to Bridget Jones and her giant pants (except perhaps more PG rated) this is exactly what I'm looking for in a book. And this book is also so funny. I'm not sure if it's designed to be funny or not but the combination of crazy animal antics, an embarrassing dad on TV and the friends but not really "just" friends (to anyone with eyes) relationship between the main character and her "best friend" just had me giggling all the way through.
I should be ashamed really, because some elements are quite serious - I mean, their neighbour is being accused of murdering his wife, Manda's dad might have to put the zoo in jeopardy to help (and he's still embarrassing her on TV!) and Manda's "best friend" is now getting all snuggly with some other girl. So, shame on me for laughing right? But I challenge you not to!
A short, funny and really warm-hearted read about a girl, a zoo and a suspected criminal or two.
ARC provided free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2019
I loved this book! I study biology myself and when I was little it was always a dream to work (and live!) in a zoo. So it was really fun to read about someone who actually did this. I had a lot of funny things mixed with serious moments (I won't spoil anything). And this mix really made sure that I kept reading, it isn't a very long book, which worried me at first, because I was really looking forward to reading way more about the subject. But I ended up really liking it, and I'm keeping this in mind, because I definitely want to read it again.
ARC provided free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2018
My review can also be found on my blog: https://ahappylittlebookworm.wordpres...
This book started off slowly. After getting through more than 80 pages of seemingly pointless dialogue and introductions, I was very close to giving up and DNFing this novel. It wasn’t until after the 100 page mark that things actually started to happen and I begun to enjoy the story. Unfortunately, however, I can’t say that the novel got drastically better after this point, the plot remained predictable, the main characters distant and the narration boring. While I found certain aspects of the storyline amusing and partially relatable, there was non of that laugh-out-loud humour that I had been expecting.
One aspect of the story that disappointed me were the characters. I just couldn’t make myself like Amanda; her character was neither unique nor relatable and the minimal development she experienced throughout the novel simply didn’t interest me. The other main character, Kyler, was sweet enough without being overly impressive.
While I personally wasn’t a massive fan of this novel, I can imagine other people, especially younger readers, enjoying the book. I wouldn’t be quick to recommend it but then again, maybe the book just wasn’t for me. My rating? 2 stars ⭐️.
I received Amanda Noble #zoolife from Netgalley in return for an honest review. This novel was released on 23rd October 2017.
This book started off slowly. After getting through more than 80 pages of seemingly pointless dialogue and introductions, I was very close to giving up and DNFing this novel. It wasn’t until after the 100 page mark that things actually started to happen and I begun to enjoy the story. Unfortunately, however, I can’t say that the novel got drastically better after this point, the plot remained predictable, the main characters distant and the narration boring. While I found certain aspects of the storyline amusing and partially relatable, there was non of that laugh-out-loud humour that I had been expecting.
One aspect of the story that disappointed me were the characters. I just couldn’t make myself like Amanda; her character was neither unique nor relatable and the minimal development she experienced throughout the novel simply didn’t interest me. The other main character, Kyler, was sweet enough without being overly impressive.
While I personally wasn’t a massive fan of this novel, I can imagine other people, especially younger readers, enjoying the book. I wouldn’t be quick to recommend it but then again, maybe the book just wasn’t for me. My rating? 2 stars ⭐️.
I received Amanda Noble #zoolife from Netgalley in return for an honest review. This novel was released on 23rd October 2017.
January 9, 2018
I read this book this year for the second time. The first time I read it was a few years ago, in an older form. I really enjoyed the updates that were made! It made the book feel more contemporary and relatable, and I think that will hold true with the middle grade set of readers. I think being embarrassed by your parents and the confusion of dealing with a new crush are themes that will really resonate with tweens, and the mystery aspect of the story will keep them interested until the very end!
February 13, 2018
ARC thanks to NetGalley. This was a fun read that would be good for Jr. high to younger high school. It had humor, romance, grief, mystery and living at a zoo. The characters were realistic and fun. It was much better than I expected.
July 7, 2008
A spunky heroine who loves animals
It is not everyday you meet a girl who lives in a zoo, a girl who handles snakes and alligators with the ease you walk your dog, unless, that is, you are lucky enough to get your hands in the book Amanda Noble, Zookeeper Extraordinaire by Lesa Boutin.
Amanda is a spunky sixteen years old, mature beyond her age one moment, flawed and clumsy the next. She is a delightful character you will root for from the first chapter.
As we meet her, Amanda is watching her father make a fool of himself in live TV at an animal show lamely called Getting Up With the Chickens. Amanda is deeply embarrassed, annoyed at her best friend Kyler who finds the whole thing hilarious. But soon Amanda forgets her embarrassment as she learns her father is about to lose the zoo. His friend, Bogey, has been accused of murder and Amanda’s father has pawned the zoo to the local mafia to raise funds for his bail. And so, unless they find a way to clear his name, Amanda will loose the place she calls home and the animals she loves.
Throw in Amanda’s sudden, unwelcome crash on Kyler, a mysterious stranger, a soft-hearted goon and a hero who faints at the most unlikely moments and you will be as happily drawn into Amanda’s world as I was.
It is not everyday you meet a girl who lives in a zoo, a girl who handles snakes and alligators with the ease you walk your dog, unless, that is, you are lucky enough to get your hands in the book Amanda Noble, Zookeeper Extraordinaire by Lesa Boutin.
Amanda is a spunky sixteen years old, mature beyond her age one moment, flawed and clumsy the next. She is a delightful character you will root for from the first chapter.
As we meet her, Amanda is watching her father make a fool of himself in live TV at an animal show lamely called Getting Up With the Chickens. Amanda is deeply embarrassed, annoyed at her best friend Kyler who finds the whole thing hilarious. But soon Amanda forgets her embarrassment as she learns her father is about to lose the zoo. His friend, Bogey, has been accused of murder and Amanda’s father has pawned the zoo to the local mafia to raise funds for his bail. And so, unless they find a way to clear his name, Amanda will loose the place she calls home and the animals she loves.
Throw in Amanda’s sudden, unwelcome crash on Kyler, a mysterious stranger, a soft-hearted goon and a hero who faints at the most unlikely moments and you will be as happily drawn into Amanda’s world as I was.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews