Zella, Zack and Zodiac

With wit and wisdom, Peet delivers gentle morals using animals to demonstrate human foibles. And what wonderful, whimsical animals they are. The author's 31st book proves the adage, ""One good turn deserves another.'' A zebra named Zella adopts and cares for a baby ostrich, who has hatched all alone. When Zella gives birth to a rather awkward baby, the now-grown ostrich saves the zebra colt from a lion and protects him until he is on his own. The story is told in verse, perfect for reading aloud. Peet takes Aesop one step further: he doubles the fun of his delightful stories with mirthful full-color illustrations. Whether he's drawing a perplexed ostrich chick, a baby zebra with hooves too big, or a foiled lion, Peet once again adds much laughter to his tale. (48)