The black pages of this book--with bold white text on one side and lifelike color photos on the other--will catch and hold a toddler's attention, but probably not for long.

Though it has its value for the right age group, this book is probably not destined to become a family favourite. Once children have moved on to the next level of reading, A CHILDREN'S ZOO may quickly lose its appeal.

It's a transitional book that will help carry young children from the more simplistic board-book format to more detailed and text-oriented picture books. Each word enhances the photographs, adding movement and color to the frozen images.

The format will help the very young learn, understand, and use descriptive language, while the slightly older child can guess which animal is being described. A chart on the final page includes each animal's country of origin, natural habitat, and diet.