Member Reviews

An interesting tale about a woman who hates animals but somehow ends up missing them when they leave. I’m not entirely sure I got the overall message of this book but it was decent. The artwork was good and I appreciated the rhyming. I think a lot of kids will enjoy this!

Was this review helpful?

Review to come late August on blog and early September to other places.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I spotted this one on Twitter and I knew I had to have it! Then, surprise, Netgalley turned up to have it and I was accepted to read it! Whoop!

In this one we meet a crabby lady named Mrs Golightly (love her name). She loves her garden. But she doesn't love the animals that pop up in there. Squirrels, NO. Cats? NO! Birds? SHOOO! I can tell you my first impression of the lady wasn't a good one! I mean, I have a garden myself and I would LOVE all the cute animals to come by. Well, OK, maybe not cats. But that is because they try to kill frogs and birds and poo in my garden. But frogs? Birds? Butterflies? YAS! I was curious if I was going to be liking this crabby lady, was she going to have a chance of heart? Or would the zoo ruin it all?

Yes, a zoo. I don't know how regulations and such were thrown overboard, but this lady gets a zoo next to her! I can hear you say that this isn't too bad, right? The animals are in cages, they are not going to be outside, right? Well, nope. These animals have a hand in escaping it seems... or the zoo is very lax in keeping animals in. Because quite soon we see a kangaroo having a wee on her toilet. We see giraffes having a party in the garden. Did I mention the alligator on the radiator? I had quite the laugh at what was going on with the zoo, though I have to say, despite her being crabby? I was feeling sorry for the woman. I mean, I wouldn't mind some animals, but everyday? Not sure if I would be so happy. So I could imagine her reaction when things just got too crazy. I think I would have done the same. I could relate! WOAH!

The ending was just the sweetest. It definitely was unexpected, though maybe not fully, I have read other picture books like this. But I am so happy with the Mrs. Golighty and loved seeing this side of her.

The illustrations were just the absolute best! Lovely style, lovely colours, and the animals just seem to pop out of the pages.

All in all, a laugh-out-loud book about a crabby lady and the zoo animals next door that keep visiting. Recommended!

Was this review helpful?

Adorable illustrations, animals, rhymes, and lots of fun sound words. Mrs. Golightly thinks she hates animals when a zoo moves in next door, but sometimes people can learn to unlearn their hate and befriend others.

Was this review helpful?

What a fun book to talk about character traits and what can make people grumpy!

This book reminds me of “Those Darn Squirrels” and “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” and would be good for plot and theme comparisons.

Even with being the grumpiest person ever, a little love and consideration can go a long way to change someone’s perspective and life.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this Arc!

Was this review helpful?

Just look at that cover! This is a funny picture book with gorgeous illustration. It's rare that I'm happy with both the story and the artwork. Here, nothing is amiss.

My four-year-old loves animals, and she's crazy about the Zoo. This book was love at first sight.

Thank you NetGalley and Pushkin Press for an Advance Review Copy.

Was this review helpful?

Mrs. Golightly does not like animals, so what do you think happens? A zoo moves in next door! Each day of the week is filled with different animals doing outrageous and noisy things. She finally gets rid of them, but things are quiet...too quiet. What does old Mrs. Golightly do? She joins them in the garden for a dance party!

This cheekily illustrated book is full of sound words and rhyme. Kids will love all the animals and making all the noises that go with them.

Was this review helpful?

What a fun story about Mrs. Golightly and her outrageous experience with the zoo animals! Susie Bower has created a charming, quick, fun read about a woman who wakes up to the unexpected! Who else can say they’ve experienced actual ants in their pants? Or llamas in their pajamas? This tale could also be used to demonstrate the differences children experience when confronted with differences-we may not all like the same things, or think the same way, but when we are left on our own, it’s sadder than when we began! Shoo! is a story that is multilayered and can be used in multiple situations-classrooms, homes, therapy sessions, take your pick. Looking forward to reading more.

Was this review helpful?

Oh well this was a cute story. It was good, it flowed really well. We as a family loved the rhymes and it added to the story. The illustrations were very comical and explained the plot so it is easy enough for younger ones.

Was this review helpful?

Shoo! is an adorable little book about an old woman who doesn't like noise, mess, or ruckus. When a zoo moves in next door, she finds herself with all kinds of animals in her house.

This was a very cute little children's book! I loved the art style and the light rhyming. I think kids will have a wonderful time listening to it or reading it themselves and can see it being used in classrooms to teach rhyming. Mrs. Golightly's character is funny and grumpy, which makes the end even sweeter as she dances with her new zoo friends.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, and Pushkin Press for providing me with a copy for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?