Zebra’s Great Escape
by Katherine Rundell; illus. by Sara Ogilvie
Primary, Intermediate    Simon    64 pp.
8/24    9781481491631    $19.99
e-book ed.  9781481491648    $10.99

Originally published in Great Britain, this book evades easy classification. Ogilvie’s lively, vibrantly colored art—with dramatic page-turns and a mix of immersive full-bleed illustrations, spot art, and vignettes—caters to a picture-book audience. But despite the book’s picture-book trim size, Rundell’s lengthy three-part story acknowledges readers ready for something longer. The irreverent, zany tone starts right away on the first page, when Gabriel, a zebra searching for his kidnapped parents, gains the attention of human child Mink. When Gabriel licks “a little snot from the inside of Mink’s nostril,” it causes her to fall and bump her head, triggering her ability to communicate with Gabriel—and with all creatures, as she soon discovers. Harnessing her inherent bravery and goodwill, Mink solicits help from a curmudgeonly, misunderstood dog, who summons a chain of animal helpers. They rescue a horde of animal captives, held by the villain, Mr. Spit, who intends to preserve them for his taxidermy collection. Once released, the vengeful animals bare “one thousand six hundred and eighty-four teeth,” leaving Mr. Spit without any clothes, “his bottom wafting naked in the breeze.” But it’s not all snot, spit, and a naked bottom in service of cheekiness. This heartwarming, offbeat story celebrates silliness, empathy, and courage in equal measure. ­

From the ">September/October 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.