National Zoo Keeper Week is of course American, but it would be good to have it here in Australia too. It is held during the third week of July each year to recognise the role of educators and wildlife ambassadors now that we need to protect and preserve our wildlife and vanishing habitats.
Even though these three books are not about preserving wildlife they are a fun way to look at zookeepers. Get them out to share with your children this week:
• Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann. In this fun book the animals follow the zookeeper home unobserved and then have fun with his keys.
• A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip and Erin Stead. Here the animals visit the zookeeper, Amos McGee while he is off work because he is sick.
• What's that Noise? by Mary and Robert Roennfeldt. This story about George, a hapless zookeeper who doesn't realise the animals are out of their pens is old now, but may be in your library. The pictures tell the story here, not the text.
I think it would make a great holiday for Australia too. There are so many wonderful wildlife educators who rarely get credit. One of them has just started a brand new blog you might like: http://www.wildlifefun4kids.com/ She has lots of plans for great articles and contests to intrigue young naturalists.
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