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The Midnight Zoo

By Sonya Hartnett
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett follows two Roma brothers who, amidst the chaos of World War II, discover a hidden, magical zoo at midnight. This beautifully woven tale explores themes of freedom, loss, and hope as the boys interact with the zoo's talking animals, each with its own poignant story. Through their encounters, the brothers gain insight into the essence of resilience and the quest for liberation.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate magical realism and touching stories about resilience and hope. It follows two children and a mysterious zoo they encounter, weaving a tale that explores themes of freedom, compassion, and the unyielding spirit. Ideal for readers who enjoy rich, atmospheric narratives that are both enchanting and thought-provoking.

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The Midnight Zoo

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

Her muzzle wrinkled, and Andrej saw a glimpse of teeth and pale tongue. 'They smell the same,' the lioness murmured. 'My cubs smelt as she does. Like pollen.' She breathed deeply again, and Andrej saw the missing cubs returning to her on the wings of the baby's perfume. 'All young ones must come from the same place,' she said—then sat down on her haunches, seemingly satisfied.

Under cover of darkness, two brothers cross a war-ravaged countryside carrying a secret bundle. One night they stumble across a deserted town reduced to smouldering ruins. But at the end of a blackened street, they find a small green miracle—a zoo filled with animals in need of hope.

The Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett is a moving and ageless fable about war and freedom.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett is lauded for its hauntingly poetic prose and its ability to tackle deep themes with a sensitivity that resonates with both children and adults. Reviewers often commend the book's magical realism and the compelling portrayal of war through the eyes of young characters. The narrative is praised for its emotional depth and vivid characterisation, creating a poignant and thought-provoking reading experience.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143504887

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 August 2014

Country: Australia

Imprint: Puffin

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 132.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 172g

Pages: 192

Collections

Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Penguin Books Sonya Hartnett

About the Author

Sonya Hartnett's work has won numerous Australian and international literary prizes and has been published around the world. Uniquely, she is acclaimed for her stories for adults, young adults and children. Her accolades include the Commonwealth Writers' Prize (Of A Boy), The Age Book of the Year (Of A Boy), the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize (Thursday's Child), the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year for both Older and Younger Readers (Forest, The Silver Donkey, The Ghost's Child, The Midnight Zoo and The Children of the King), the Victorian Premier's Literary Award (Surrender), shortlistings for the Miles Franklin Award (for both Of a Boy and Butterfly) and the CILP Carnegie Medal (The Midnight Zoo). Hartnett is also the first Australian recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (2008). In 2014, Hartnett published a new novel for adults, Golden Boys, and her third picture book, The Wild One. True Stories- Close to Home featuring Sonya Hartnett

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