Trouble at the Zoo by Chris Kunz
Bindi Wildlife Adventures. Random House Australia, 2010. ISBN
9781864719963
A new series featuring Bindi Irwin, famous daughter of crocodile hunter
Steve Irwin. No 1, titled Trouble at the Zoo, is a quaint
little story
for beginner readers. In this first adventure we are introduced to the
Irwin family, celebrating Bindi's 11th birthday, as well as Australia
Zoo, where the family live and work. Although a short story the book
covers all the excitement of a themed costume party open to the public
at the Zoo, and how the plot by a zoo patron to steal one of its
animals is quite easily foiled by the Irwin siblings. It includes of
course the message of wildlife conservation and endangered animals that
is expected when reading about Bindi Irwin. Delightful in its
simplicity, it will appeal to children dedicated to saving wildlife
themselves. What is special about this series is each book also
includes information about the animals in the story written simply so
children could use for school projects or just to better understand the
creature.
Vicki Nunn