Book Review of Not Even in a Zoo: A Quirky A-Z Animal Adventure
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The Children’s Book Review
Not Even in a Zoo: A Quirky A-Z Animal Adventure
Written by Rachel Hyman
Illustrated by Keauty Art
Ages: 2+ | 26 Pages
Publisher: Hyman-Rhymin’ Book (2025) | ISBN: 979-8991778503
From antelope munching cantaloupe to a zebu getting a tattoo, this alphabet board book proves that the ABCs don’t have to play by the rules.
Alphabet books are a crowded shelf, but Not Even in a Zoo earns its place with a simple, winning premise: what if every animal in the alphabet was doing something completely unexpected? Young readers will delight in discovering bees sipping tea, a fish washing a dish, a whale in jail, and creatures doing all manner of absurd things.
The rhyming text moves with an easy, bouncy rhythm that makes this one a natural read-aloud, and the playful subversions keep children engaged page after page. Hyman’s rhymes are light and assured, with a strong comic sensibility that never strains for its laughs. The wordplay is the engine of the whole book, and it hums along nicely from A to Z. The hand-drawn illustrations, digitally enhanced by the artists at Keauty Art, bring a warmth and whimsy that suits the text’s offbeat energy. The style feels approachable and lively, with a slightly imperfect, handcrafted quality.
Not Even in a Zoo is a genuinely fun, sturdy board book durable enough for the youngest readers, while the clever humor and snappy rhymes will keep older siblings — and grown-up read-aloud partners — smiling too.
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About the Author
Rachel Hyman, a married mother of two almost-grown children, is a former elementary school reading teacher turned author and songwriter. She has been passionate about books, the magic of rhyme, and the power of language for as long as she can remember, always finding joy in the rhythm of words. The “It’s a Hyman-Rhymin’ Book” logo is Rachel’s way of passing that love along to young readers. When children and adults see it in a book, they know they will find silly stories told in rhyme, which practically guarantees a great time!
Rachel lives in Palatine, Illinois. She enjoys traveling solo whenever possible, exploring bookstores, thrift stores, quirky museums, and candy shops along the way.
For more information, visit hymanrhyminbooks.com.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Not Even in a Zoo: A Quirky A-Z Animal Adventure. Learn more about getting a book review …
