What the Sleepy Animals Do at the Audubon Zoo by Grace Millsaps & Ryan Murphy: Review + Giveaway

Today’s Novel Novice Junior book review looks at the charming What the Sleepy Animals Do at the Audubon Zoo by Grace Millsaps & Ryan Murphy, with illustrations by John Clark IV and Alyson Kilday.

The book seeks to answer why zoo animals seem SO sleepy during the day, when visitors come to see them — and though this book specifically mentions New Orleans’ Audubon Zoo, the story could easily take place at any city’s zoo.

The story itself is cute; I liked seeing all the way the authors imagined zoo animals kept themselves busy at night: jazz bands, dance parties, karaoke, etc. But the real charm of the book comes from the darling illustrations.

The illustrations bring the story to life, and are imbued with so many little details that are fun for both grown-ups and little readers to notice and pick out. The images would equally be at home framed as art for a child’s room, as they are within the pages of What the Sleepy Animals Do at the Audubon Zoo.

This book is basically the perfect story to present to children as a follow-up to a trip to the zoo. Not only is it a great book just to read, but it can spark a conversation with your child: what do you think the sleepy animals do at night, when the zoo is closed? Get them thinking, talking, and maybe even drawing their own illustrations!

Learn more about the book online, or purchase your copy here. You can also like the Sleepy Animals on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.

We’re also giving away two signed copies of What the Sleepy Animals Do at the Audubon Zoo. Enter the Rafflecopter form here for your chance to win.

The contest is open to U.S. only, and ends on Tuesday, June 24th at midnight (PT).

Be sure to tell us in the comments below what YOU think the sleepy animals do at night when the zoo is closed!