The Zoo at Night

Robinson's first children's book puts a lilting spin on the timeworn ""trip to the zoo"" theme by asking, ""What happens when they close the zoo/ And all the people go away?/ Do Animals lie down and sleep/ From sunset until dawn next day?"" As depicted in her graceful quatrains, the diverse stars of this nighttime outing include such critters as rhino (""big as a couch"") and eagle, who sleep peacefully, to spider monkey, raccoon and wombat, among others, for whom darkness means time to play, explore or just keep a quiet vigil. Frasconi's (If the Owl Calls Again) luminous, mixed-media woodcuts reveal a nocturnal world of brooding splendor. Placed against dark-often black-backdrops, his colors stand out in forceful relief. Text set in white typeface makes for easy readability and adds a distinctive design touch. Harmonious for both eye and ear. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)