The Zoo That Followed Me Home
Claire E. Peters   & Chiara Franceschetti
Category: Children's Picture Book
Hardcover | 40 pages | 979-8-90115-049-8
Trim Size: 8.5” H x 10.3” W
Publication Date: October 6tn, 2026
List Price: $18.99 USD
Publisher: Starfish Bay® Publishing
Genre: Humorous Fantasy / Contemporary Fiction
Reading Level: Grade 2-3
Interest Level: Grades PreK-4
Guided Reading Level: L
Lexile® Measure: 500L
Accelerated Reader® Level/Poin: 2.6/0.5

A boy brings home a zoo full of animals and discovers there can be room for one more in his family.

After a trip to the zoo, a young boy discovers the animals have followed him home—and are hiding around the house! There's a lion by the couch, a bat on the ceiling, and even an elephant in the garage! With all these animals around, there isn't much room, but with a baby sibling due soon, this little boy will soon learn that there can be space for everyone. The Zoo That Followed Me Home is a delightfully illustrated and whimsical story that explores imagination, discovery, and growing as a family.

Writing has been a companion to Claire E. Peters as long as she can remember. Understanding the lasting impact that a childhood book can have on a reader, she's been inspired to create tales that evoke a sense of magic and emotion in both children and adults alike. Claire lives in Australia with her husband and two young children. Together, they keep a watchful eye out for any sneaky zoo animals that may be hiding around their home.

Chiara Franceschetti has always loved drawing. Originally a graduate of architecture, it was after having two children that she began her creative career. Inspired by the mountainous surroundings of her childhood, fairy tales and travel, Chiara works digitally, often combining watercolors to form detailed and joyfully colored artwork. Chiara lives in South Tyrol, Italy, with her husband and two children.

Key Features:
  • The Zoo That Followed Me Home subtly explores emotional anxieties about changes within a family, offering reassurance and warmth.
  • A playful and imaginative story that features engaging rhyme and rhythm.
  • Children will love searching for hidden animals in the wonderfully vibrant and humorous illustrations.
Themes:
  • Lifestyle change and adaptation
  • Friendship and support
  • Perseverance through trial and error
  • Following instructions (recipes)
  • Dietary choices
  • Change and personal growth
  • Compromise and problem-solving
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