This Zoo is Not for You
Ross Collins
A funny, rhyming picture book about the importance of tolerance and kindess, from the bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator, Ross Collins.
When a small, friendly platypus arrives at the zoo, the animals assume he has come about the vacancy and are all keen to interview him. But the chameleons dismiss him as too bland, the flamingos protest that he’s not graceful enough and, despite his best efforts, poor Playtpus will never impress the monkeys. No one wants him and so Platypus turns and leaves. The animals swiftly regret being so unkind, but . . . what’s this? The platypus has left an invitation! He had actually come to the zoo to invite them all to his party! But the platypus has a big heart and, with all forgiven and forgotten, he quickly welcomes his new zoo friends to a fantastic party on his PlatyBus!
A perfect bedtime story that combines comic misunderstandings with a touching message about acceptance and belonging.
""There’s a touch of Tim Minchin about Collins . . . his tone is funny but heartfelt and a little bit rock’n’roll"" – Guardian
From the award-winning creator of There’s a Bear on My Chair, winner of the Amnesty CILIP Honour 2016 and shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2016.
Can’t get enough? Look out for more brilliant picture books by Ross Collins: There’s a Bear on my Chair, There’s a Mouse in my House, What Does an Anteater Eat?, and This is a Dog.
Includes a FREE Nosy Crow Stories Aloud® audiobook! Scan the code, hear the story.
Reviews
It’s a little bit rude because the animals said the platypus can’t come in to the zoo but really the platypus just wanted to invite them to a party
Commander Mandrake Archer 04.09.2025
I didn’t like the other animals being mean at the beginning But loved the platybus party at the end
Queen Bijou Teacup 08.08.2025
It’s very funny, and the free audiobook helped me understand how tricky words sounded.
Mademoiselle Birthday-cake Moonbeam 21.09.2024
I liked this book because it ended well. I liked the monkeys as they were funny!
Queen Esmerelda Postage-Stamp 10.08.2024
I liked reading the page about the Flamingos
Queen Tulip Fascination 23.07.2024
This book made me a little sad at first but all the animals are kind in the end
Sir Snoopy Pumpernickel 20.01.2024
It is a good book.
Director Diamond Lanzarote 03.10.2023
Sad to start but nice happy ending.
Madam Bubbles Submarine 13.09.2023
I liked the party bus!
Professor Petronella Hammersmith 14.08.2023
I liked it because I liked the part where the monkeys said they were very good at throwing poo!
Duchess Sunny Peanut-butter 10.08.2023
It’s good. My favourite character is the tiger.
Prince Bruno Washington 01.08.2023
I like this book because it is surprising. As the platypus is lovely and kind. At the end of the story,it gives everyone a good party, and all the anumals feel joyful.
Chief Zeus Bungalow 25.07.2023
I thought it was good I liked the end
Marshal Trigger Fascination 25.07.2023
It was very very good because all the animals had a disco party.
Sir Hercules Banana 18.07.2023
I love this book, it is awesome. I love the illustrations of all the animals. I also love the story about a platypus who visits the zoo and all the animals jump to conclusions and tell him he is not the sort of animal they want in their zoo. But there is a twist to the story and it turns out that the platypus didn't want to join the zoo at all!
Viscount Crocodile Pudding-Basin 24.08.2022
I like this book as it is fun and like it when they say we an throw poo. But it was a bit sad when he had to walk away from the other animals.
Chief Switch Sausage-Roll 12.08.2022
I liked the monkeys throwing poo and I liked the same rhyme at the end of each page
King Muscles Skateboard 08.08.2022
I thought it was quite interesting. Lovely pictures and lots of animals
Captain Cupcake Astronomical 04.08.2022
It was fantasy. The lion was my favourite character. I would recommend this book to early readers who love animals.
Officer Gloriana Submarine 27.07.2022
sad happy fun exciting
Queen Boadicea Piccalilli 26.07.2022
