Happy birthday, Dear Zoo!

‘I wrote to the zoo to send me a pet . . .’

Rod Campbell, the creator of preschool favourites including Oh Dear! and Noisy Farm, has been a trusted name in early learning for over forty years.

Perennial classic Dear Zoo has been a firm favourite with toddlers and parents alike since its first publication in 1982.

With bright, bold artwork, a catchy refrain and a whole host of favourite animals, Dear Zoo: 40th Anniversary Edition is a must for every child’s bookshelf, and the thick card pages, chunky cased cover and sturdy flaps make it perfect for small hands.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Dear Zoo, Macmillan Children’s Books has worked with Fundamentally Children to create educational resources based on Dear Zoo and linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage, made up of three lesson plans. They include:
 
- Lesson 1 – Emotions at the zoo

- Lesson 2 – Sounds of the zoo

- Lesson 3 – Maths at the zoo

 
Each lesson plan includes an introduction, key vocabulary, two activities, and a plenary to review what has been learned – as well as an activity sheet to be used alongside each lesson or as part of a classroom display.

Click here to download the resources!

As well as these educational resources, Macmillan Children’s Books is also celebrating this anniversary with a selection of Dear Zoo activities including colouring sheets and a roarsome lion mask. 

They have also created some activities for Look After Us, Rod Campbell’s brilliant book which is the perfect introduction to conservation for the very youngest readers.

Click here to look at the full selection of activities.