Is anyone else missing the zoo like I am during quarantine? I'm thankful Phoenix has opened up a drive around the zoo option now, but I honestly don't love the cost associated with doing so at the moment either. Anyway, there are so many virtual zoo and aquarium live animal web cameras you can show your kids from the comfort of your own home. I will link some here! I am also sharing 15 Zoo books that are sure to entertain your family; enjoy! 

https://www.dublinzoo.ie/animals/animal-webcams/elephants/
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams
https://www.zoo.org.au/animals-at-home/
http://www.flaquarium.org/sea-span

(Also....can you even handle the cuteness of baby Jacks & his stuffed giraffe above? <3 He was obsessed with that after Daddy got it for him at the Phoenix Zoo & said giraffe can still be found in his bedroom now.) 
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1. The Lending Zoo
by: Frank Asch
(Have you ever wondered what it might be like if you could check animals out from the zoo like you check books out from the library? A "zoo-brary" where Miss Perkins checks out animals to kids; this cute story also details an escape by zoo favorite, the tiger named Pancake.) 
https://www.amazon.com/Lending-Zoo-Frank-Asch/dp/1442466782/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+lending+zoo&qid=1590604690&sr=8-1 
2. Through With the Zoo
by: Jacob Grant
(This story tells about a goat who is through with the petting zoo; he wants his own alone space, away from the grabbing and rubbing of little hands.)
https://bookoutlet.com/Store/Details/9781250108142B/through-with-the-zoo 
3. 1 Zany Zoo
by: Lori Degman
(Have you ever wondered what happens at the zoo when nobody's there? Readers won't believe the antics of these wild animals; including hyenas who play the blues or foxes that steal keys.)
https://www.amazon.com/1-Zany-Zoo-Lori-Degman/dp/1416989900/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WZBY9CVX3V5M&dchild=1&keywords=1+zany+zoo&qid=1590609181&sprefix=1+zany+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1
​4. Dear Zoo (board book with flaps) 
by: Rod Campbell
(This old classic is about a child who writes to the zoo for a pet, and in return is sent an elephant, snake, camel, giraffe, etc. but none are the perfect pet....until the last page.) 
https://www.target.com/p/dear-zoo-25-years-anniversary-edition-board-book-by-rod-campbell/-/A-11735185 
5. The View at the Zoo 
by: Kathleen Long Bostrom
(Who has the best view at the zoo? The animals or the people? There are so many sounds and noises as the animals wake up and start their day; it's a busy place!) 
https://www.amazon.com/View-Zoo-Kathleen-Long-Bostrom/dp/0824956699/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1590686031&sr=8-1 

6. Rhino in the House: The Story of Saving Samia
​by: Daniel Kirk
(A true, nonfiction book about Anna Merz (a rhino chamipon) and the black rhino (Samia.) This story is perfect for animal lovers and animal rights' activitists!) 
https://www.target.com/p/rhino-in-the-house-the-story-of-saving-samia-school-and-library-daniel-kirk/-/A-51533550
7. Put Me In The Zoo
by: Robert Lopshire 
(Spot believes he belongs in the zoo, because he can make his spots change colors and do other tricks too. He shows two young friends all the things he can do, and then they help him realize he would do better at the circus.) 
https://www.amazon.com/Put-read-myself-Beginner-Books/dp/0394800176/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Put+me+in+the+zoo&qid=1590686887&sr=8-1
8. Zoo Zen: A Yoga Story for Kids
by: Kristen Fischer 
(Kids love to act like animals, so they can learn how to slither like a snake or roar like a lion as they practice various Yoga poses.) 
https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Zen-Yoga-Story-Kids/dp/1622038916/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=zoo+zen&qid=1590687261&sr=8-1 
9. Zoo Day
by: Anne Rockwell
(This story follows a young boy and his family as they  visit the zoo for the first time.)
https://kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9781481427340B/zoo-day-a-my-first-experience-book
10. The Baby BeeBee Bird
by: Diane Redfield Massie 
(An obnoxious baby bird keeps all the animals at the zoo up at night, shrieking "beebeebobbi!" since the baby bird naps during the day and has full energy at night. But the zoo animals come up with a clever plan to get the baby bird to sleep when they do.)
https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Beebee-Diane-Redfield-Massie/dp/0060517840/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2XUA8FBMW7XN5&dchild=1&keywords=the+baby+beebee+bird&qid=1590687924&sprefix=the+baby+beebee%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-1
11. The Great Zoo Hullaballoo!
by: Mark Carthew 
(Can Jess and Jack discover the mystery of the missing animals from the zoo? Join them on a rhyming adventure as they seek out the zoo animals.) 
https://www.newfrontier.com.au/books/the-great-zoo-hullabaloo 
12. Rhino Neil
by: Mini Goss 
(Neil, the huge rhino, is one all of the other animals are warned to stay away from; he is very lonely.  But one day, Tuscany, an elephant arrives and Neil is not so lonely anymore.) 
https://www.newfrontier.com.au/books/rhino-neil 
13. The Opposites Zoo 
by: Il Sung Na
(Monkey's cage is left open and he is busy exploring all the other cages in the zoo!) 
https://www.amazon.com/Opposite-Zoo-Sung-Na/dp/0399554122/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+opposite+zoo&qid=1590688135&sr=8-1
14. This Zoo is Not For You
​by: Ross Collins 
​(A platypus comes by the zoo and gets interviewed by all of the animals there and decides he doesn't belong there after all.) 
https://www.amazon.com/This-Zoo-Not-Ross-Collins/dp/1536200158/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=this+zoo+is+not+for+you&qid=1590690253&sr=8-1A 
15. Curious George: Good Night Zoo 
by: Gina Gold
(George can't wait to go see the baby panda at the zoo...but, in his excitement, he ends up distracted by all the animals at the zoo and gets locked in there at night. Will the man in the yellow hat be able to rescue him?)
https://www.amazon.com/Curious-George-Good-Night-CGTV/dp/1328972364/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=curious+george%3A+good+night+zoo&qid=1590690533&sr=8-1

We have all experienced them....or maybe even have been one at one point in our life; a picky eater! My toddler currently lives his best life as a picky eater; hot dog for dinner, PB sandwich for lunch, carrots with hummus (which isn't so bad) but the point is...I'm always making 2 separate dinners (and his dairy allergy should be the only exception to that on some nights, like when we have pizza or Mac & Cheese.) 
So, for all you parents out there who might have a picky eater or two of your own, here's some books I hope will help! 
(Or at least provide a good laugh.) 
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1. Pete the Cat and the Three Bite Rule
by: James Dean 
Pete the Cat & his Mom have a 3-bite-rule; you have to try something new before you can knock it. (This stretches to include skateboarding as well as new foods, since Grumpy Toad swears he hates bananas.) 
https://www.amazon.com/Pete-Cat-Three-Bite-Rule-ebook/dp/B079RBNVKS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CU1T8TWISELC&dchild=1&keywords=pete+the+cat+three+bite+rule&qid=1590020365&sprefix=pete+and+the+three+bite%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1 
2. The Picky Eater
by: Betsy Parkinson & Shane Clester 
(Piper is a picky pig; she prefers foods that start with "p.") 
​https://www.amazon.com/Picky-Eater-Little-Boost/dp/151582943X/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=the+picky+eater&qid=1590109276&sr=8-3
3. I Can't Eat That Stuff 
by: Liz Fletcher
*Kindle Unlimited* 
Louie will help your kids feel like veggies like broccoli are "superpower fuel" & there will be some flexing after the kids eat their good food. 
https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Eat-This-Stuff-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B07TF83T36/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=I+can%27t+eat+that+stuff&qid=1590109518&sr=8-1
4. D.W. The Picky Eater 
by: Marc Brown
(*Kindle Unlimited) 
D.W. (Arthur the Aardvark's younger sister) does not eat spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, pickles, or spinach! D.W.'s days of eating out are over. 
​https://www.amazon.com/D-W-Picky-Eater-Marc-Brown-ebook/dp/B00NKQCQNU/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DCMFNTKXEANH&dchild=1&keywords=d.w.+the+picky+eater&qid=1590109824&sprefix=D.W.+the+%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1
5. Daniel (Tiger) Tries a New Food 
by: Becky Friedman 
​https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Tries-Food-Tigers-Neighborhood/dp/1481441701/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34SY3G7EVH8PB&dchild=1&keywords=daniel+tries+a+new+food&qid=1590115201&sprefix=Daniel+Tries+a+New%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-1
6. Picky Eaters
by: Ellen Jackson
(Kids can lift the flaps to see what the koala or the turtle or 10 other choosy animals eat.) 
https://bookoutlet.com/Store/Details/9781454919018B/picky-eaters 

7. Gregory the Terrible Eater
by: Mitchell Sharmat  
Gregory isn't like most goats. He loves to eat good foods, like fruits and vegetables instead. Then Gregory switches his taste to car tires and other junk, and he can't stop eating!
https://www.target.com/p/gregory-the-terrible-eater-scholastic-bookshelf-by-mitchell-sharmat-paperback/-/A-11673635
8. Prince Peter the Picky Eater 
by: Lada Adamic 
*Kindle Unlimited* 
Prince Peter doesn't like eating his veggies; but when his father, the king, suggests he try some, Peter does & it has some magical results. 
https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Peter-Picky-Eater-Adamic-ebook/dp/B077CXWSMR/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=the+picky+eater&qid=1590108366&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSEE2MjFWMkgxRkpEJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjU3MzM1Mk01RlVWUUhNWUxMMSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzE1OTY2M1MySTA0MjVISzIxNSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
9. The Seven Silly Eaters
by: Mary Ann Hoberman  
(Each kid in this household has a special food they insist on eating; Peter insists on milk, Lucy wants lemonade & Jack eats applesauce. Their poor mother just doesn't know what to do!) 
https://www.target.com/p/the-seven-silly-eaters-by-mary-ann-hoberman-paperback/-/A-11496147
10. I Will Never Not Eat a Tomato
by: Lauren Child
Lola is a fussy eater who won't eat carrots or mashed potatoes; but her brother Charlie comes up with creative & imaginative things for each food she dislikes (i.e. carrots are orange twiglets from Jupiter) to coax her to eat them. 
https://www.amazon.com/Will-Never-Ever-Tomato-Charlie/dp/0763621803/ref=sr_1_1?crid=E7J055Y6V93R&dchild=1&keywords=i+will+never+not+ever+eat+a+tomato&qid=1590115405&sprefix=i+will+never+not+%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1

It's always nice to be recognized & remembered as a mama for Mother's Day. I have compiled a list of unique & sweet children's books that can be read with your kids, focusing on mothers & the relationship between a mom and her kids. While everyone reading this may not be a physical mother yet, all women have nurturing qualities that make them motherly & this book list is meant to include everyone in this weekend's celebrations.
Love you all; remember you are strong, kind, smart & beautiful mamas! YOU are exactly who your small human (s) need. <3



1. I'll Love You Forever
by: Robert Munsch
(A little boy grows up, drives his mommy crazy, but is loved so much. "I'll love you forever, I"ll like you for always, As long as I'm living, My baby You'll Be" she sings over & over. When the boy grows up to be a man, he comes to rock & sing to his mommy when she is old & sick; it's the sweetest!
https://www.amazon.com/Love-You-Forever-Robert-Munsch/dp/0920668372/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4YH6QAOVNPYB&dchild=1&keywords=i%27ll+love+you+forever+children%27s+book%27&qid=1588794148&sprefix=I%27ll+Love+you+Forev%2Caps%2C573&sr=8-1
​2. When I Carried You in my Belly
by: Thrity Umrigar
(The special relationship between a mom and her child begins as the baby forms in her stomach.)
https://www.amazon.com/When-Carried-You-My-Belly/dp/076246058X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=when+I+carried+you+in+my+belly+children%27s+book%27&qid=1588794296&sr=8-1
3. How to Raise a Mom
by: Jean Reagan
(Have you read How to Babysit A Grandma, which is a good one for Mothers Day also, or How to Babysit a Grandpa? This funny role reversal style of Reagan's is really catchy & fun to read with kids, who seem somewhat adult-ish in her books.)
​https://www.amazon.com/How-Raise-Mom-relationships/dp/0553538292/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=how+to+raise+a+mom&qid=1588798340&s=books&sr=1-1
4. The Happiest Mommy Ever!
by: Alice Furniss
(A mommy recounts some happy moments in her life with her son, but he soon learns that he has brought his mommy the greatest happiness of all.)
https://www.amazon.com/Happiest-Mommy-Ever-Alice-Furniss/dp/1606410563/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+Happiest+Mommy+ever&qid=1588798186&s=books&sr=1-1
5. The Night Before Mother's Day
by: Natasha Wing
(A parody of Twas the Night Before Christmas, with a Mother's Day twist! These sweet girls & their dad have some great plans up their sleeves.)
https://www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Mothers-Day/dp/0448452138/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OQRNF7LQ1R6K&dchild=1&keywords=the+night+before+mothers+day&qid=1588798239&s=books&sprefix=the+night+before+mother%2Cstripbooks%2C577&sr=1-1​
​6. I Love you Mommy!
by: Jilliam Harkey
(Little Bear is plenty curious,but thankfully his mommy is there to keep him in check.)
https://www.amazon.com/Love-You-Mommy-Jilliam-Harker/dp/1680524275/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&aaxitk=Ps8cao1k.29abJerfxYT2Q&hsa_cr_id=2508817200101&ref_=sb_s_sparkle
7. The Kissing Hand
by: Audrey Penn
(Chester the Racoon is nervous about starting school; he doesn't want to leave behind all that's familiar to him. So his mommy kisses his palm, & tells him to hold it up to his face when he is lonely or missing her. Chester gives his mommy a kiss on the palm too; it's so tender!)
https://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Hand/dp/1933718005/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+kissing+hand&qid=1588796681&s=books&sr=1-1
8. T Rex & the Mothers Day Hug
by: Lois G. Grambling

https://www.amazon.com/T-Rex-Mothers-Day-Hug/dp/0060531282/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?dchild=1&keywords=t+rex+and+the+mothes+day+hug&qid=1588797031&s=books&sr=1-1-fkmr0
9. Just Me & My Mom
by: Mercery Mayer
(Little Critter goes downtown for a special day with his mom, including a train ride, some shopping & the museum!)
https://www.amazon.com/Just-Mom-Little-Critter-Book/dp/030712584X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=just+me+and+my+mom&qid=1588798942&s=books&sr=1-1

10. The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our Mom!
by: Jan Berenstain
(The Berenstain Bears are back & this time they're talking about how much they love mama bear!)
https://www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Love-Our-Mom/dp/0062075470/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=berenstain+bears+we+love+our+mom&qid=1588801148&s=books&sr=1-1
Curious George & the Mother's Day Surprise
by: H.A. Rey


** Also, Cottage Door Press has some pretty cute mom & me books. **