Class Two at the Zoo

Julia Jarman has won the Stockport Schools' Book Award twice for her lively picture book texts. Julia used to be a teacher but was encouraged to start writing by her three children who asked for 'real characters like us'. When she became a grandmother, it provided the perfect inspiration for her picture book texts. Julia often visits schools and libraries where she enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for facts and fiction. Lynne Chapman has illustrated over 25 children's books in the last ten years. She works from her home, a Victorian house on the edge of the Peak District National Park in England where she lives with her husband. In her spare time, Lynne writes and performs poetry with her group The Electric Tomatoes.

The anaconda in this meaty tale could possibly do with a makeover in the predictable behaviour department. Not that I'd change the story one jot. There is something immensely satisfying about a snake full of children. -- The Bookseller Crow A visit to the zoo turns suddenly perilous for a rambunctious class in this bouncy cautionary tale... Just the ticket for reading prior to a class trip. -- Kirkus Reviews As a class of wide-eyed day-trippers make their way round the zoo, they fail to notice the slimy snake slithering ominously in the background. Suddenly he pounces, and devours one unsuspecting child after another. With animated illustrations, especially the snake's bulging belly as his 'dinner' wriggles inside him, there's a rising sense of suspense before the snake relinquishes his captives and slinks off to slighter another day... -- Junior The reader is warned of the dangers of not paying attention in the best Hilaire Belloc tradition with a modern edge. The print snakes and slides across the pages as the rhyme and rhythm gather pace. An exuberant romp. Lots of fun. -- School Librarian A cautionary tale it bounces along, begging to be read aloud... the illustrations add hugely to the fun with pictures and text superply integrated on each spread creating a perfect balance... children will find it enormous fun! A must have for every Class 2! -- Books for Keeps The print snakes and slides across the page as the rhyme and rhythm gather pace. An exuberant romp. Lots of fun. -- School Librarian From the bouncy mock-sinister rhymes to the illustrations featuring naively wide-eyed kids and the happy ending, readers who aren't afraid of snakes will find much to enjoy. -- The Horn Book Guide