Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo

This book is amazing! Just reading it was fun. It has a great cadence to it and a funny story. The best part though is the CD with John Lithgow reading the story. I loved it almost as much as my preschoolers.

This is one of the many brilliant books from John Lithgow that make excellent gifts for babies, children, and teachers. It is so fun to read and the illustrations are colorful and fun. This is a big hit with all of the music lovers in my life

My granddaughter loves this book.

This is a book that everyone in the family will enjoy. John Lithgow has created an adventure in reading and listening that hasn't been equaled since Peter And The Wolf. The story/rhyme is entertaining and the music creates an atmosphere that will pull you right into the dazzling event of an orchestra of zoo animals. I watched an interview with Mr. Lithgow and was so charmed by him and the fact that he said his dog helped him write this adorable book, that I ordered the book with overnight Prime delivery. I was rewarded with a book that is so fun that I wanted to listen to it over and over. Often, illustrators don't get the credit they deserve. I'm completely charmed and captivated with the whimsical and creative talents of Leeza Hernandez. Together Lithgow and Hernandez have fashioned a book that will be passed down to generations for come.

This is a great book to introduce orchestral instruments to young children.

Good story. But a little "wordy" for 2 to 3-year-olds, I think. And a few of the pictures might scare toddlers. Other reviewers seemed to like it, perhaps for older children.

When a little boy attends an orchestra concert at a bandstand next to a zoo, some pretty weird things start to happen. Animals escape from their cages and replace the musicians. The result is a massive amount of chaos and cacophony.The accompanying CD of the author telling the story helps bring the book to life. When I use this book for library story times, I play the CD. The kids enjoy swaying to the music, and are entertained by the author's singing.Kid's will love the humor, and the vibrant artwork will help give them a subtle introduction to the instruments of an orchestra. Recommended for kids ages 3-7. -Sherry Ellis, author of  Don't Feed the Elephant!

I loved the way the music corresponds with the animals in the story. My daughter is a kindergarten teacher and felt these would be interesting to the student, and would keep their attention.

As a primary music teacher I am always looking for great music based books for read alouds! This one is wonderful - especially when read with John Lithgow reading on the CD! All of my classes have laughed and truly enjoyed the story & music! Highly recommend for children of all ages!

I love this book. I use it for teaching and the cd that goes with it allows you to recognise many aspects of music and voice. It is so entertaining the children don't know they are learning!

Very clever.....loved it! Very well written and illustrated, enjoyed by both adults and kids. I had no idea that John Lithgow wrote children's books, we will definitely be checking out his other books.

The book did not contain the CDs! They failed to mention this when purchased. Very disappointed because they go together.

My son loves it. Really great book and the CD that comes with it only brings the story to life! Highly recommend.