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The Zoo

The Inside Story
By Neon Squid and Jawnie Payne
Series: The Inside Story
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Brief Description
Find out what goes on behind the scenes at a zoo in this illustrated non-fiction story by zookeeper and TikTok sensation Jawnie Payne. This gentle story is a perfect gift for kids who love animals or are going on a trip to the zoo. It follows... Read More
Format: Hardback
$1900
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

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A gentle non-fiction story about a day in the life of a zoo, written by star zookeeper Jawnie Payne

A gentle non-fiction story about a day in the life of a zoo, written by star zookeeper Jawnie Payne

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Find out what goes on behind the scenes at a zoo in this illustrated non-fiction story by zookeeper and TikTok sensation Jawnie Payne.

This gentle story is a perfect gift for kids who love animals or are going on a trip to the zoo. It follows the exploits of several characters over the course of a busy day, including zookeepers, a school trip, and some very mischievous animals! Along the way, readers will discover how the creatures are fed and kept entertained, as well as what goes on once the zoo shuts for the day!

Stunning illustrations by Susan Deming bring the world of a zoo to lifeβ€”from the big cat enclosure to the penguin poolβ€”with plenty of things to spot in the illustrations for eagle-eyed readers.

By the end of the book, kids will have a newfound respect for all of the work that goes on to make every zoo experience memorable.

Series: The Inside Story

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  • The Zoo
    Find out what goes on behind the scenes at a zoo in this illustrated non-fiction story by zookeeper and TikTok sensation Jawnie Payne. This gentle story is a perfect gift for kids who love animals or are going on a trip to the zoo. It follows the exploits of several characters over the course of a busy day, including zookeepers,...
    By Neon Squid and Jawnie Payne
    Hardback
    $1900
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Airport
    The Airport
    Pack your bags and get ready to check in at the airport! Meet pilots and baggage handlers, fly in an aeroplane, and learn about the science behind how everything works in this non-fiction story for kids. Readers will go behind the scenes to meet the incredible people who work night and day to keep an airport working. Set over the...
    By Neon Squid and John Walton
    Hardback
    $1900
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Hospital
    The Hospital
    It's another busy day at the hospital! Meet doctors and nurses, ride in an ambulance, and discover the magic of medicine in this non-fiction story for kids. This book is perfect for any child who is nervous about a trip to the hospital. Dr. Christle Nwora takes readers behind the scenes to meet the incredible people who keep you healthy,...
    By Neon Squid and Dr. Christle Nwora
    Hardback
    $1900
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781838993412

Publisher: Priddy Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 05 February 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Neon Squid

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Susan Deming

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 216.0mm

Height: 276.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 64

Collections

Children's Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Jawnie Payne Neon Squid Series: The Inside Story

About the Author

Jawnie Payne is a zookeeper at San Diego Zoo Safari Park in the USA. Payne has more than a quarter of a million followers on TikTok (@zookeeperjawnie). She went viral in 2020 when she posted a video of her wishing a happy Thanksgiving to all the animals. She previously worked at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Fort Worth Zoo, and Nashville Zoo. Susan Deming is an illustrator based in San Francisco, USA. One of her favourite jobs was the several years she spent teaching art in public schools to children 6-11. Susan's favourite books are science or nature non-fiction and nature field guides. When she is not at her desk, you can find Susan taking long walks in the hills surrounding her home or in her garden.

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