Zoo Day

Zoo day starts at dawn in the Melbourne Zoo in Australia, with twittering birds, the roar of a lion, the faraway trumpeting of elephants. The book of photos with brief text is laid on a black background, with white type. A clock revealing the passing of the day's hours provides unity, while the photographs show animals in their settings and the keepers in their routines. Among the unusual specimens pictured are an albino western diamondback rattlesnake, a wombat and a spider monkey. But most of the book presents the usual run of elephants, kangaroos, seals and bears. Colorful photos and a clever format provide plenty of child appeal. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)