Zoe and Her Zebra

by Clare Beaton

A vibrant and unique alphabet book features a cross-cultural group of twenty-six children and a diverse array of animals that share their letter of the alphabet. By the author of One Moose, Twenty Mice.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1999

About the author

Clare Beaton illustrates in felt, pen and ink, and paper collage.

Reviews

[Tobinsfavorite · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 3-year-old loves this book and goes about chanting the text. (It's very simple: "[letter] is for [child's name], but who is chasing him/her?", accompanied by a picture of a child being chased by an animal; do not worry, for in the end, Zoe rides in triumphant on her zebra to save them all.)

I like the art a lot. It's felt and embroidery with buttons and other embellishments.

The names and depictions cover a wide range of cultures.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is unique. Each page consist of a letter from the alphabet, a child whose name begins with that letter, and a picture of an animal chasing the child whose name also begins with that letter. The reader is forced to guess what animal is chasing the child based on the picture and letter provided. I thought this was an interesting concept, but I don't like how the children are being chased by alligators, bears, and tigers. It's a little morbid. I also don't like a few of the animal choices made by the author (jackal, umbrella bird, and xoona mot.) I couldn't even figure out what the names of the animals were so doubt a six year old will be able to either. Luckly, it told you at the end what the animals were called. I did like, however, how the author made this book interactive by asking the reader what the animals' names were, and how she used multicultural names (Yoko, Sita, Takeshi, Pedro, etc.)

I would use this book during a read-aloud in a kindergarten class to help teach them the sounds of the alphabet.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this guessing alphabet book in which each character is chased by an animal starting with the same letter; for example, Alice is chased by an alligator. The illustrations are stitched-on felt and beads, so there's not a feeling of anyone in any real danger. It is more whimsical than scary, and there's a fun surprise ending to remove any lingering doubts about whether the characters need to be afraid.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt pictures are colorful, the words allow for the students to guess which animal is chasing after the person. Very multi-cultural with the various names.

My only complaint is that some of the animals are not the most well-known (i.e. the Umbrella Bird and Xoona Moth). Other than that, it's a great way to reinforce the alphabet with students.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some kids will find this too scary.

[Miss Allie]

I can't find confirmation that a "xoona moth" is a real thing.