The Great Escape from City Zoo

by Tohby Riddle

One night, under a full moon, four animals make a daring break-out from City Zoo. Can they make a life for themselves on the outside? Or will their past catch up with them wherever they go? This thrilling adventure awaits readers young and old!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Fiction

Paperback

First published September 1, 1999

About the author

Tohby Riddle is an Australian cartoonist and picture-book creator. In 2005 he became editor of The School Magazine, in which his illustrations, non-fiction pieces and poems appear regularly. In 2009 he won the Patricia Wrightson Prize in the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards with Ursula Dubosarsky for their book The Word Spy.

Reviews

[Sarah S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hilarious story of what happens when an anteater, an elephant, a turtle, and a flamingo go over the wall of the City Zoo is probably funnier for adults than it is for kids. Twenties-era settings and references to everything from King Kong to Edward Hopper and Abbey Road appeal to adults and the overall quality of the illustrations and the exciting story appeal to kids.

[Dianne Wolfer]

Totally delightful :-)

[Aiyana Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This classic children's book becomes a mystery book and life lesson book. I read this first to myself and recognized the villain, good guys, hero etc. The basic characters in a mystery book. I thought it was a pretty fun book with animals escaping from the zoo, not a typical once upon a time or they lived happily ever after story. The second time I read this, was with my 6 year old cousin. Turned out to be very interesting also since she asked non-stop questions. She seemed to ask who was who in the story and a lot of why questions. For example where they would take the bad guys away? Something so easy to identify at my age that I did not think she would identify is the characters in the story nor mention it. But she was abled to tell who was the bad guy. I think this overall book is a great book. Other than the fact that it was easy for my six year old cousin to identify the characters, means that it was an easy book for her to understand and that it was very humorous. The humor in the story is when one of the animals that escaped with the others goes missing, which is the flamingo. Now through the story there are said to be "sightings" of the animal , yet no one could find him. From my perspective of reading this, it seemed to me that he flamingo was the only happy one in the story to be abled to be free. Seems to me this book is also a little sad with everyone get captured but the only good side to this story was the flamingo getting free. Overall a very interesting book, not sure if I would recommend it.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An anteater, an elephant, a turtle and a flamingo break out of City Zoo and, disguised as people, try to make a life for themselves on the outside. Their exploits are legendary even as they are captured and returned to jail.

Illustrations are integrated with well-known, cultural iconic images: cover of the Beatles’ Abbey Road album, Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, a scene from Grapes of Wrath, the photo of Nessie, etc. Clever.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The references to famous paintings, photos and other images is terrific fun in this book - for the adults. Kids will enjoy the simple story, but it's not particularly captivating, with no real attachment being made with any of the characters.

https://openlibrary.org/works/OL11567...

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 1001 CBYMRBYGU. Four animals run away from City Zoo and are able to hide, amazingly blending in quite well, for years of freedom. Another book I am desperate to obtain for my school library. Another book, sadly, that seems to be little known here in the US.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny story and complex illustrations. A thoughful reader will spend some time looking over the illustrations and will be rewarded with famous painting reinactments and funny details. A must read for anyone who has ever felt story for the caged in animals at the zoo.

[Dee-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did not 'gel' with my kids. I appreciated it more than they did, due to the reference to famous works of art. It was also sad, in that there was not really a happy outcome, except maybe for one of the characters.

[Sarah A · Rating 3 out of 5]

We enjoyed this story with its beautiful illustrations. My daughter had a lot of questions about it so I think we will try it again when she is older. Four zoo animals escape into the city and have various adventures before being tracked down and returned - or not!

[The Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really simple, but very good, story of four animals escaping from the zoo.

The illustrations are really where it's at. The artist recreates some famous works of art only using his style and the characters from the zoo. Very creative.

[Kristal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A fun, quick picture book about different animals who escape from a zoo and attempt to blend into society, with varying degrees of success. I like the hidden “Easter eggs”, like the recreation of that Beatles photo crossing the street.

[Alex Fairhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not help but read this in the voice of a early TV detective show - think Dragnet! A great story and illustrations, and enjoyed by both myself and my sic-year-old son.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, wonderful illustrations. Great for reading aloud!

[Mommywest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny story about four animals and their successful escape from the City Zoo done in an appealing retro style.

[Karl H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insulated artwork.

[Toriana Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, animals at a city zoo who decide to escape and explore life elsewhere. When they left the zoo, they experienced the outside world in different ways, discovering both excitement and challenges. Throughout their journey, the animals begin to realize that while freedom is important, it also comes with responsibilities and uncertainty. The story highlights themes of freedom, belonging, and perspective.

I think this book is great for elementary grades K-3rd. The illustrations and simple text make it accessible, but it also encourages deeper thinking about big ideas like independence and community. It can be used to support comprehension, sequencing, and discussion skills.

I would include it in my classroom library because it opens the door for conversations about choices, consequences, and what it means to feel safe and secure. It also allows students to interpret the story in different ways, which is especially helpful for building critical thinking skills.

[Natalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt this story had no plot. Animals escaped from a zoo and then got captured. There was no conflict and no adventure. Just meh.

[William]

It trash

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story

[Emilie Ross]

fantasy
animas breaking free


what would you do if you broke free from a zoo