Happy as a Tapir

by Terry Carbone, Keith Du Quette (Illustrator)

When the zoo animals gather to trade animal suits and change identities, as they do twice a year, the tapir is told that he must remain a tapir until he gets it right.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids will be entertained, adults will be inspired and can use this to reinforce a positive msg. that being yourself and having the fortitude to follow your dream no matter if others think is silly is the key to happiness.

[Nathaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Animals taking off their skin at night is bizarre.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about a tapir that wants to be any animal but a tapir. He learns to be comfortable in his own skin and enjoy life just as he is, instead of envying others. The author was inspired to write the story after a visit to the a Philadelphia Zoo where she observed the tapirs. That’s the first zoo I’d ever been to and I grew up across the bridge in NJ and remember learning about tapirs at the zoo.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the end of each zoo day, the animals leave their cages and “step out of their feathers and fur.” They trade places and become different animals. But no one wants to trade places with the Tapir. So, he decides he’ll be the best Tapir anyone has ever seen — then someone will want to trade with him. But in the process, he comes to realize that he enjoys being who he is.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ummm.... what? The zoo animals take off their skins at night and hang them in the trees? Twice a year they exchange skins so someone else can be that animal for awhile. Definitely an imaginative concept but a bit odd.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite childhood book of all time.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was weird. Make no mistake. Still, the underlying theme of the book made it a worthwhile read. The little alien guy doesn't appreciate the lot he's given as the zoo tapir, but he's forced to try. Only, after he's tried it for a while, he discovers being a tapir is what he really wants forever, and he's unhappy in any other body. It's a great book for the idea of giving things a chance as well as the idea that sometimes, unwelcome experiences lead to great chances for self-discovery.

[JustOneMoreBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich, imaginative illustrations and generous, poetic text present an endearing fantasy that leaves us pondering issues of identity, purpose, contentment, control and choice.

You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.

[Louise]

the story line was good, but what we enjoyed most was the unexpected characters....

[Linda Bowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay's favorite!

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a splendid gem of a story! The premise is very unique and the message will resonate with anyone who is comfortable being exactly who they're meant to be.

[Kimberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Possibly the creepiest picture book I have ever read. It may terrify your children.

[Roslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun way of looking at zoos