Experiences + Book = Gift (Zoo Membership)

In our modern world of consumerism and excess, we all get to the point where we question if the kid having a birthday is in need of another gift. Kids have toys, equipment, and games galore. Especially after lockdowns, what kids lack most are experiences with the world outside their home and street. An experience as a gift is a thoughtful way to help a child (and their family) build memories, broaden horizons and discover new interests.

The zoos in my state have the option to purchase memberships which give access to three different facilities, as well as interstate facilities too. While it’s not the cheapest gift, it is good value as it lasts for a year. Over the years we have gone on and off with zoo memberships. We found that after a year visiting all the locations, we were happy to have a year off, then renew the membership the following year.

I love taking my kids to the zoo, and as the kids have gotten older they have begun to appreciate the trips more themselves. It’s a great school holiday activity, but it’s even better to take kinder-aged kids on school days or to go on curriculum days, as it will be less busy. It’s such a rewarding experience to hear the kids wonder at the creatures.

I know that I’ve been reluctant to give an experience as a gift because of the fear that the receiver will be disappointed by opening a piece of paper with a promise. To counter this one could always include a well-chosen book to accompany the gift. Below I’ve listed some of my favourite zoo-themed books that would suit pre-schoolers and primary schoolers.

Fraidyzoo, by Thyra Heder

This is such a fun book. On the day this family has planned a trip to the zoo the smallest member of the family is feeling scared about the outing, but can’t remember why. To help calm Little T’s emotions the rest of the family, starting with A, depicts various animals that might be causing the reluctance. Throughout the process, the family becomes more involved and expressive as household items and crafts are used to build costumes. At various points we see sleeping bag worms, a cardboard rhinoceros, and towel owls. Lots of detail and a great family vibe, this book is a fantastic gift.

Welcome to the Zoo, Alison Jay

Alison Jay’s unique, vintage-style illustrations, with interesting additions for keen observers, work well as kids mature. For a youngster, this book is a wonderful exploration of a trip to the zoo with familiar animals and lots of colour. As kids get older they will notice little vignettes that will amuse. Such as the zoo visitors who happen to be dressed like animals, or stories that continue across the pages.

The Moonlight Zoo, by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Karl James Mountford

I’ve blogged about this special book before, but not because it was set in a zoo. What I love about this book is the incidental diversity, the main character has hearing loss, but that is in no way mentioned the story. The colour tones used in this book probably differ from other zoo-themed books. Because it is set at night, there are lots of deep pinks, purples, and blues, which give a really different feel to the animals. The illustrations are really sophisticated and unique in the picture book landscape. And the flaps and cutouts add another layer of interest and magic to the book.

Flip Flap Zoo, by Axel Scheffler

Part of a series of books from well-known illustrator Axel Scheffler that allows children to create their own wacky animals. Other books have themes such as ‘pets’, ‘farm’, ‘dinosaurs’, and ‘oceans’, but this one is filled with zoo animals. Each page features one zo animal with a short poem about its diet, habitat, or species. Each animal is cut in half so that the top half can be matched to the bottom of another animal creating an amusing new creature. Colourful and fun, kids will love to try all the different combinations.