There's a Book For That: The Zoo is Sad

Monday, January 12, 2015

The Zoo is Sad

Once you have a kid, it seems like everyone thinks you suddenly enjoy activities that were never part of your repertoire. It is assumed that suddenly water parks, zoos, and beaches have become the top destinations for spending your free time. I'm hoping to see how long we can hold out before we have to step foot in any of those places. Each of them is their own unique brand of hell. The zoo most of all.

I know that the day will come when the girl will want to go. I'm hoping there is a school field trip that exists for this exact reason. If I take the girl, she will not have fun. I can't even feign enthusiasm. The zoo makes me want to cry - cramped animals looking pitifully out of their cages. I know many people love the zoo and I have not yet figured out what makes them enjoy the experience so much.

But, when the girl does ask to go to the zoo, I'm hoping that we can have a discussion about the pros and cons of keeping animals in cages. I think some of these books might help facilitate a discussion without going overboard. Okay, maybe a little overboard.

Mrs. Harkness and the Panda by Alicia Potter