So You Want To Be A Zookeeper (So You Want To Be A...)

"So You Want To Be A Zookeeper by Linda Soules is part of the So You Want To Be series. Most kids have visited a zoo and dreamed of being a zookeeper, but there's more to it than just being with the animals. Everything that happens in a zoo, from feeding to bathing to keeping everything clean, means there's a hard-working, dedicated person who made it happen. This book is an eye-opener, filled with facts, educating young readers on what it really means to be a zookeeper, the hard work, unsociable hours, and the joy they get as they build relationships and friendships with the animals in their care. This is the ultimate guide to being a zookeeper, designed to help kids understand that it's not just about looking after an animal; it's about protecting them, conservation, and ensuring that endangered animals are brought back from the brink.

So You Want to Be a Zookeeper by Linda Soules is a wonderfully illustrated book, filled with facts about what goes into being a zookeeper. It's written in plain, easy-to-understand language, and it takes readers through everything a zookeeper has to do. Most of us probably said this is what we wanted to do when we were younger, but few people realize how involved the job is. Readers will learn not just what zookeepers do when everyone can see them, but what goes on behind the scenes to keep the animals clean, happy, and healthy, and they'll also learn of the amazing work zoos do in conservation and protecting endangered species the world over. They'll learn about the research keepers do, about what a person has to do to actually become a zookeeper - a love of animals is a good start, but it isn't nearly enough - and what qualities a good keeper must have. In short, this is the perfect launching pad for any child who wants to turn their dreams into reality."

"How much do you know about zookeepers and the part they play in wildlife conservation efforts and the protection of endangered species? So You Want to Be a Zookeeper is a colorful picture book by Linda Soules, designed to help young readers understand how zookeepers oversee the care of animals in modern zoos and advance scientific research on wildlife. Whether it's preparing breakfast for a colony of penguins or cleaning up enormous amounts of animal waste, zookeepers play a wide range of roles in animal protection through their everyday work. In this book, you will learn how zookeepers are assigned to specific sections of the zoo depending on the specialization of the animals they oversee. They play an active part in behavioral training of animals, rescue work, animal enrichment activities, and much more.

So You Want to Be a Zookeeper is a fantastic guide to teach young readers about animal care. This picture book covers the everyday work of a zookeeper in great depth. Author Linda Soules has crafted an engaging narrative that educates as well as entertains. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a must-read for any parent who wants to instill a love of animals in children at a young age. Apart from the details of animal care, the book also delves into the various roles of a zookeeper, how they work as a team, and the physical and mental efforts required for the day-to-day management in a modern zoo. Learn about some of the famous zookeepers in history, as well as a few fun facts about modern zoos, zookeepers, and animals. Highly recommended."

"Have you ever been to the zoo and wondered what zookeepers really do? So You Want to Be a Zookeeper by Linda Soules explores a day in the life of a zookeeper. Readers are invited to learn what they do every day, from preparing food to observing animal behavior. It also introduces the tools zookeepers use and the different wildlife that may be at the zoo. Plus, there are some surprising facts about zoo conservation efforts. Like any job, there are rewarding parts, like watching animals thrive, and challenging ones, such as working in all kinds of weather. A person who wants this role must be patient, responsible, trustworthy, and have a desire to care for animals. So, do you want to be a zookeeper when you grow up?

I really enjoyed reading So You Want to Be a Zookeeper by Linda Soules. It was packed with information, including facts I hadn't considered before, such as how they carefully measure and prepare diets tailored to each animal. I appreciated how the different parts of the job are broken down, making them easier for young learners to understand. As an educator, I would read it and then discuss topics such as responsibility and empathy for living things. I would also extend it by having students draw their favorite part of the job. The illustrations are detailed and have eye-catching colors. Each picture helps kids stay engaged from beginning to end. Overall, I highly recommend this thoughtful and interesting book. Animal lovers and readers looking for career-focused or nature-themed reads will definitely enjoy this one."

"So You Want to be a Zookeeper by Linda Soules is the book that every kid will want to read, and likely many adults, too. Zookeeping may be a dream job, but the book makes it clear that it takes hard work, dedication, and patience. With beautiful illustrations on every page, Soules takes you through a typical zookeeper's day, which includes cleaning the animals' living spaces, preparing their feeds, planning and carrying out enrichment programs, keeping daily records, and educating the public about the animals and conservation. Zookeepers also have to watch out for any signs of ill health in the animals in their care. The hardest part of the job can be losing them as they age or get sick.

So You Want to be a Zookeeper is highly educational as well as entertaining, with sections on the tools that zookeepers use to build a relationship of trust with the animals without taking away their wildness, the importance of modern zoos in conservation and protecting endangered species, and public education. The book is a delight on so many levels, giving readers a glimpse of life in an exciting world. Besides the visual appeal, Linda Soules provides very detailed information for kids who are just reaching the age when they begin to contemplate future careers. There are sections on famous zookeepers like Gerald Durrell, Joan Embery, and Jack Hanna, guides for further reading, a glossary, and tips on getting started through learning and volunteering. Highly recommended for animal lovers of all ages."

"In Linda Soules' So You Want To Be A Zookeeper, a zoo opens the door to what it really means to care for animals, where each one is met with patience and respect, and given the space to choose how they participate. The work begins before visitors arrive, as the keeper studies each animal's behavior, prepares food designed for its needs, and maintains habitats that support its well-being. Through close observation, the keeper learns to recognize the small changes that indicate illness or stress and works with a wider team to respond. The book follows how this care connects to global conservation, showing how animals in human care represent species facing loss in the wild and how keepers help protect their future.

Linda Soules' So You Want To Be A Zookeeper is a wonderful guide, and it stood out to me because of the age-appropriate and informative aspects of a job many children dream of doing. The author emphasizes the trust between the keeper and the animal and discusses care as daily work molded by patience and informed choice. The author uses plain, confident language that explains the real work in ways a child can follow. A young hippo receiving a routine medical check shows how observation supports health, while a zebra's striped body is used to explain how animals are built for their environments. Soules is also the illustrator, filling each page with full color, welcoming scenes that place the reader beside the animals, all artistically created in a contemporary animation style. This is the perfect book for young readers interested in animals, science, and hands-on work, especially children who want to understand what caring for wildlife truly involves. Very highly recommended."

"A zookeeper isn’t just someone who wants to play with animals. It’s a job of protecting those animals which is thoroughly explained in “So You Want To Be A Zookeeper” by Linda Soules. As the zookeeper devotes their time, knowledge, and energy into taking care of a wild animal, a strong bond of trust and respect forms between the animal and keeper. A bond that is truly unique and special between the two. In this nonfiction children’s career book, young readers will learn about some of the pros and cons of becoming a zookeeper. Do you have the desire to become a devoted zookeeper?

This is another book in this delightful series, So You Want To Be…,and this one is special to me as an adult. I have a deep love for domestic and wild animals, and I was fascinated with all the amazing facts and informational tidbits Soules provided in yet another educational book children can use as a future career reference guide. I was learning right along with the young readers just how detailed a zookeeper’s job really is and how dedicated they must be to keep the zoo animals healthy and happy throughout their lifetimes. One fact that truly left an impression on me was the idea that a zookeeper’s ultimate achievement is to love and care for each individual animal to help them not become extinct in the world.

The detailed and interesting facts the author provided her readers with showed just how much time and research she had put into each book in this series so far. Children will easily walk away learning new facts, like I did, of things they didn’t know prior to reading this informative book.

The illustrations were plentiful throughout this book and fit perfectly telling the story in picture format. Each one was vibrant in color and eye-catching to the readers. You can’t help but stop to take in the complete scope of each illustration provided because it perfectly enhances the story the author has written.

Linda Soules is an award-winning author of the So You Want To Be…series of career exploring books. This is a continually growing series aimed at informing children of the various careers that might be available to them as they get older.

Overall, “So You Want To Be A Zookeeper” by Linda Soules is another career informing book that I think children will love. The information provided is meticulously detailed, allowing readers the full scope of what it takes to be a dedicated zookeeper. The illustrations are gorgeous in design and perfectly fit the written words provided. This is another winner in my eyes, and I feel readers will love it just as much as I did. I eagerly can’t wait to read more books in this educational and fun children’s series!"

"So You Want To Be A Zookeeper by Linda Soules opens with a blunt correction: this work is not playing with animals. It is protecting them. That line alone told me this was a guide built on honesty, not wishful thinking.

This guide explains what zookeepers actually do each day, from 6:30 AM health rounds and enclosure cleaning to diet prep, enrichment, and 5:00 PM log notes. Keeper tools like the target stick, positive reinforcement training, and health monitoring through observation and record keeping are covered in clear detail. Breeding programs such as the California condor recovery appear alongside fact boxes on elephant pedicures, panda bamboo preferences, and protected contact for big cats. The best and hardest parts of the job, core keeper qualities, and practical preparation steps such as zoo visits and animal journals round out the content.

Soules writes in short, confident bursts that match how kids actually ask questions. In the So You Want To Be... series, the illustrations bring keeper workspaces, animal habitats, and daily equipment onto the page. Children who learn as much through pictures as text will find plenty to study.

I recommend this for parents and children ages 8 to 14. Any child who says they want to work with animals should read this first. It helps them decide if they mean it, with honest questions about patience, observation, and the daily grit this work demands."

"So You Want To Be A Zookeeper by Linda Soules is an engaging and informative nonfiction book that gives young readers an honest look at a career many children dream about. Rather than presenting zookeeping as simply spending time with animals, Soules explains that the profession requires scientific knowledge, patience, responsibility, and dedication. Written for readers ages 10–14, the book follows the daily work of a zookeeper, including early-morning feeding rounds, habitat cleaning, health checks, behavioral observations, enrichment activities, and detailed record-keeping.

I loved the way the book explains the science behind animal care in clear, age-appropriate language. Readers learn how keepers recognize signs of stress or illness in animals that cannot describe how they feel. They also discover how carefully prepared diets, positive-reinforcement training, and enrichment activities help animals remain physically and mentally healthy. Soules shows that successful zookeepers must be observant, trustworthy, physically capable, and willing to work in difficult weather and during unsociable hours.

The book also broadens readers’ understanding of modern zoos by showing their important role in wildlife conservation. Zookeepers work alongside veterinarians, nutritionists, biologists, and conservation specialists to protect endangered species, support breeding programs, conduct research, and educate the public. Soules does not avoid the emotional challenges of the profession, including caring for sick or aging animals and coping with their loss. This honesty makes the book more meaningful because it respects young readers enough to show both the rewards and the difficulties of the job.

Colorful, detailed illustrations help bring the animals, habitats, tools, and daily routines to life. The pictures complement the straightforward writing and make the information easy to understand without oversimplifying it. So You Want To Be A Zookeeper is an excellent introduction to animal-care and conservation careers. It is highly recommended for animal lovers, curious young scientists, and any child who has ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at a zoo."

"I was looking for some new books to add to my classroom library and found this series. Wow! Am I impressed. The pictures are beautiful. The information is very thorough."

"This is such a great book for children. The images are colorful and the simple, easy to read text will give children a glimpse into the life of a zookeeper. The book was not only fun to read, but also educational. The author provides age appropriate detail on the many jobs of zookeepers and how they care for animals of all kinds."

"This book gives a lot of good information for young readers about what all goes into being a zookeeper. From what they do through the day to how they interact with different animals. If you have a kid who thinks they may want to be a zookeeper, it would be a great read for them."

"I love this book. It goes into great detail about being a zookeeper and just all the amazing things zookeepers do. I like the fun facts and all the illustrations."

"Great book to introduce some of the fun and challenging aspects of being a zookeeper. I appreciate a book that (age) appropriately addresses the difficult areas of a profession without diminishing the wonderment of said profession. My 8 year old has voiced wanting to work in a zoo, so this is a great book to give her a glimpse into that lifestyle. She has enjoyed other books in this series and usually asks many follow-up questions, so I am sure she will enjoy this book as well."

"I got this book to read with my kids after a trip to the zoo. They absolutely love this book and want to now follow a zookeeper for the day to learn more. The details in the book are amazing and done in a way where kids will learn and be excited to share what they read."

"Wow! The illustration is absolutely beautiful. What an amazing gift for a little one who loves the zoo. Well thought out book and again the art was beautiful. Could have probably told the story with the pictures."

"Loved reading this to my daughter, who loves the zoo. Illustrations and text and fun and easy to understand. My daughter enjoyed the different parts of the zoo and the different animals. Haven't found a 'So you want to be' book that we haven't enjoyed."

"I was so impressed with the Veterinary book in this series, I decided to check this one out as well... From the daily routine to the terminology, the author really researched and wrote this book well."

"Filled with the benefits and dirty truth (cleaning up elephant poop!) about being a zookeeper. It provides details needed for kids to make a realistic decision about whether this job would be a good fit for them."

"Being a zookeeper can save an entire species from extinction... not all of the work is glamorous, but it all directly impacts the animals and therefore the world."

"Looks at a zookeeper's day, showing all the important work that happens behind the scenes from what visitors see at the zoo. It shows how zookeepers manage diets, waste, enclosures, and enrichment so animals stay healthy, stimulated, and comfortable around guests."

"Engaging book for young readers. Very relevant information for young people learning about future careers and what it may take to become a zookeeper... a wonderful book to add to a classroom library."

"This book introduces children to the awe and wonder of the life of a zookeeper. It details the qualifications needed to pursue a career in caring for animals and gives them insight on what they can do now to prepare for their future as a zookeeper. It even includes a section on famous zookeepers in history. I love the colorful illustrations and easy to understand definitions. This was my third book in the series and I enjoyed each one."

"This is an amazing look into what it takes to be a Zookeeper!! Anyone who is considering becoming this should be given this good read!"

"Absolutely love all the books by this author. Beautiful artwork helps to convey the information within the pages. This is a very child friendly way to learn about zoo keeping. Written simple yet full of tons of vibrant information."

"I have read multiple of the other books in the 'So You Want to be a...' series and have loved them all, and 'So You Want to be a Zookeeper' was no different. This engaging text included information about what a zookeeper actually does as well as the multitude of places a zookeeper can work. I love that this series does such a great job explaining what a day in the life of a zookeeper looks like and an explanation of the tools one would need to be prepared to use in this profession. This book does not stop at telling the reader about the best, more 'glamourous' parts of the job, but also explains the hardest parts which is just as important to know about a profession before choosing a field. As with others in this series, I would definitely include this series in my classroom library, especially if you teach a unit on career potentials."

Very informative about the everyday day life of a zoo keeper. Explaining their tasks and responsibilities with key terms and definitions. Lots of pictures giving a good visualization. Daughter loved it! Highly Recommend for kids!

"This would be a great book for give to a kid that was fascinated at the zoo! It has plenty of information on zookeeping like a day in the life and skills that are needed."

"I am currently loving this series of books. They are so informational, inspiring, and enjoyable to see. It is the perfect starter book series for middle schoolers to research what they want to be in life. In the zookeeper book, my favorite section is the famous people who went against what others said and made a difference in the animal world."

"​Soules delivers a brilliant, behind-the-scenes look at the daily life, hard physical labor, and scientific responsibilities of a modern zookeeper. Without shying away from the gritty realities of animal care, she highlights what the job actually takes while offering practical advice on what to study and how to start volunteering."

"Quick, to the point read about what it takes to be a zookeeper. Although geared toward kids aged 10-14, I enjoyed it as an adult as well. I appreciate the author's ability to tap into the nostalgia of being a child visiting a zoo, experiencing animals from many different areas of the world and the magic behind it. I enjoyed learning what goes into this profession as a life long animal lover and found it very interesting to learn all of what goes into caring for these animals."

"Great read! A must before or after taking your kid to the zoo for the first time.

A lot of questions about the habitats and general care will come up anyways-this book covers it all-from the hard work and grueling hours and literal dirt dirty work these individuals do everyday.

This book is realistic in the amount of work and observations needed to care and protect all the creatures in their care as well as separating this type of care for endangered wold animals vs a pet.

Solid and informative read! Great artwork! Great resources and realistic perspective offered."

"This book is so cute and super informative! My son wants to have his own zoo when he grows up, and he loved this book! The pictures are adorable and colorful and the book is full of information about being a zookeeper and everything zoo-related. Definitely recommend this book for animal lovers and zoo fanatics!"

"For all children - and adults! - out there who love wild animals, this book is for you! It explains in great detail what it takes to be a zookeeper. Topics include what exactly a zookeeper does; the best, hardest, and most surprising parts of this job; what a day in the life looks like; what qualities are needed to be a zookeeper; fun facts; famous zookeepers in history; and much, much more. You will be fascinated by all of the interesting things you’ll learn in this book!"

"Loved this book!! lots of information on zookeepers and it was kid friendly so my 9 year old was able to read and understand it. Loved the pictures and the fun facts at the end. Would definitely recommend to read!"

"The art work is so beautiful. And the truth of what zookeepers do is eye opening. It's amazing what goes into their day."

"I love her books! This particular book about zookeepers dives into the daily responsibilities of the job in detail. You will learn about the physical parts of the job, but also about what motivates people to do the job in the first place. This book reminded me that a zookeeper is the person who will first notice the most subtle sign that an animal is sick. It reminded me of the important work that zookeepers do; cleaning, feeding, and observing the animals are only part of the job. Zookeepers also spend time making sure that animals have the right nutrition as well as activities to keep animals engaged and active. The author researched the subject and showed a variety of people doing the job in the detailed, gorgeous illustrations."

"My grandson and I read this book together and really enjoyed it. It not only covers the things everyone knows about taking care of animals in the zoo, but some people don’t think of, such as how much an elephant waste needs to be cleaned out every day. Definitely not glamorous but still shows how wonderful this job can be."

"This is the second book I have read in this series. I love the beautiful illustrations and realism they provide. This book begins with a description of a zookeeper starting their day behind the scenes. It explains a keeper's job including the tools, techniques, location, environment, schedules, duties, needed skills, and expectations. It provides realistic expectations of the difficult chores and occasional losses, while also adding the amazing and important connections formed between keepers and the animals they care for. Readers learn why zoos are important for conservation, preservation, and animal advocacy. We get to learn about a few famous keepers, fun facts about animals, and how a young person can begin their journey towards a career in this field. The included glossary is perfect to allow the reader to gain some knowledge. I think this is the perfect book for a pre-teen interested in zoo keepers."

"This book is an honest and realistic look at what it is life to be a zookeeper, in a way that kids can understand. It stats by explaining that the job is about procuring animals and also that it takes a while sometimes to gain their trust, but that's very important. It talks about the sad part of the job when one of the animals dies and how hard it can be for the zookeeper who is attached to that animal. It also explains the importance of taking care of their health and educating the guests that come to see the animals."

"I had never read any of the books in the “so you want to be” series so I was unsure of what to expect. I began reading the book at bedtime with my 9 year old son. He loves to learn so I thought this would be an engaging book for him. He seemed interested in the content and found the information about animal poop the funniest…of course.

I finished the book myself after he had fallen asleep and it kept my interest as well. I feel like it gave a good amount of information without going too deep into details and losing the intended audience. I even learned some facts of which I was previously unaware! I’ll definitely be looking to pick up some more of the books in this series."

"Very informative! My daughter (10yo who already knows everything of course) said she was surprised to learn some of the info in this book. It definitely gave her a new perspective and respect for what zookeepers actually do!"

"This book provides a more detailed insight into the zookeeper’s profession. Excellent for a young child who has a strong interest in wildlife and caring for animals to learn more about what it really takes to care for animals at a zoo. It is broken down into easy to read sections, has a day in the life timeline, glossary and even some fun facts."

"This was a super fun and quick read! I feel like this book would be perfect for parents of young kids who are interested in becoming a zookeeper when they get older. The book details lots of different things that go into caring for animals at a zoo. I especially liked learning about the zookeeper‘s daily schedule and how zoos are largely for animal conservation. The images were a great addition and helped illustrate all of the aspects of zoo keeping. I would highly recommend this book."

"Would be especially good to read before a trip to the zoo, to help the kids know how much the zookeeper does to keep the animals safe, healthy, and happy."

"This is a short book with only 39 pages, but loaded with colorful illustrations and everything a kid will need to know on being a zookeeper. The book goes through what a zookeeper does, where they work, and any extra fun info one would expect. This is a fun and colorful book for any kid who loves going to the zoo and never wants to leave."

"This book was great. A full, in-depth look at what the work of a Zookeeper actually looks like. That it's hard work, not just playing around with special animals in enclosures. I like that it took the 'romance' out of the job and made it clear that it's rewarding, but also very hard physical work. It's cleaning out dung and cages, it's preparing special diets for animals, it's watching them and making sure they don't get sick, it's educating visitors about the importance of said animals and their habitats. This was a wonderful read as an adult, but my kiddo enjoyed it too. Definitely would recommend."

"So You Want To Be A Zookeeper by Linda Soules is part of a series of So You Want To Be... books. This book shows you the responsibilities to be a zookeeper and the importance of caring for the animals. You'll learn what is needed if you decide this is what you want to be. These books are for 8 and above but as an adult it will teach you too. Well written and easy to comprehend, I recommend this book."

"I found this book to be very informational, especially for tweens that are starting to figure out their goals. It doesn't glamorize the occupation, includes many details that are often overlooked, yet also points out the real benefits of being a zookeeper. I really like the illustrations in the book too!"

"It gave a very in depth look at the job on a daily basis, highlighting the good with the bad, the fun with the difficult."

"This is one of those children’s nonfiction books that’s clearly trying to inspire kids, but it also does a decent job of explaining the less glamorous reality of zoo work instead of pretending it’s all cuddling tiger cubs. I appreciated that.

The book walks through what zookeepers actually do day to day — feeding prep, cleaning, enrichment, record-keeping, veterinary support, habitat maintenance, safety procedures, and the amount of training involved. It keeps the language accessible for younger readers without talking down to them too much. The tone is enthusiastic, but it still emphasizes responsibility and animal welfare rather than turning the job into fantasy wish fulfillment.

The illustrations are probably the biggest selling point. They’re colorful, polished, and very inviting for kids who like animals. A few stood out to me in particular:

The opening image with the muddy boots and metal bucket full of produce and keys is a smart visual introduction because it immediately signals that zoo work is practical, physical labor, not just 'playing with animals.'

There’s a nice behind-the-scenes keeper workspace illustration showing enrichment toys, feeding equipment, radios, prep areas, and storage. It gives the book a more authentic feel than books that only show public exhibits.

The sea lion training/feed scene is especially good at conveying interaction and trust between keeper and animal without making it look reckless or cartoonish.

I also liked the large zoo overview map-style illustration with different habitats (savanna, aquatic areas, arctic section, etc.). Kids will probably spend a long time looking at all the little details in that spread."

"I loved reading about the daily tasks that come with being a zookeeper. It is more than the educational programs given during zoo hours but the relationship between the animals being cared for. Zookeepers are advocates for the animals since they are the ones that see the animals they care for each day from cleaning the environment of waste which can also check for any changes to preparing meals specific for their species. Trust is built over time so a particular noise for a greeting may be given and also some changes in behavior can go noticed only by those around them each day. Notes are taken of any changes and changes are evaluated to ensure each animal receives needed care and to help preserve the species for years to come. Definitely recommend this book."

"So You Want To Be A Zookeeper was a surprisingly immersive look into a job I previously thought of in a pretty simple way. Instead of just describing animals and enclosures, it really shows how structured, demanding, and detail-heavy zookeeping actually is. The opening idea—that keepers are already at work at 5 a.m. before the zoo even opens—immediately sets the tone that this is not a casual job but a full system of care that animals depend on completely.

One of the most interesting parts for me was how much observation matters in this work. The book emphasizes that zookeepers often rely on tiny behavioral changes to understand an animal’s health or stress level, since there’s no verbal communication involved. That idea made me realize how much expertise goes into what might look like routine feeding or cleaning from the outside. Every action is intentional, and every animal’s behavior becomes a kind of language that the keeper has to learn.

I also liked how it highlights enrichment activities. The sections describing how keepers design puzzles, feeding challenges, or environmental changes for animals made the job feel a lot more creative than I expected. It’s not just maintenance—it’s problem-solving for animals that think and adapt in their own ways. That balance between science and creativity stood out as one of the most interesting parts of the book.

Another strong aspect was the focus on teamwork and conservation. The book makes it clear that zookeepers aren’t working alone; they collaborate with veterinarians, nutritionists, and conservation programs that extend far beyond the zoo itself. I especially appreciated how it connects everyday care inside the zoo to larger global efforts to protect endangered species. It gives the job a bigger sense of purpose without making it feel overly idealized.

What I also found impactful was that the book doesn’t avoid the harder realities. It acknowledges that not every animal thrives in human care, and that part of the job is recognizing limits and making responsible decisions. That honesty made the career feel more real and grounded.

Overall, this was an engaging and informative introduction to zookeeping that respects both the reader and the profession. It shows the early mornings, the precision, and the emotional responsibility involved, while also highlighting how meaningful it can be to care for animals that depend entirely on human attention and expertise."

"My son and I were talking about I used to really want to be a zookeeper for elephants. He wanted to know what a zookeeper does so I thought this would be a good book to help explain. It is really detailed and explains the job very well."

"I love this series! So much information and very detailed. Always more to learn about different careers and the illustrations are beautiful. Recommend!"

"Though these books are meant for a bit older children, the series is fantastic. These books go into detail about different career paths, or what some would think were just hobbies. It's amazing to know there is so much more to something than meets the eye."

"A cute fun book that is informative for any child wanting to become a zookeeper. It outlines the job as well as a cute story along the way. Very cute pictures too."

"I have read and reviewed many books in this series and this is by far my favorite! For an overview, it was full of so many interesting facts! As an animal lover myself, I enjoyed this thoroughly and learning just how much care and work goes into this job. This is more than 'just a job.' Thrilled to learn about everything from puzzles to how animals are placed within the zoo."

"I gave this book a read because i thought it was going to be a short kids book. Boy was I wrong! it was extremely informative about what life as a zookeeper is like and I especially loved the fun facts at the end."

"Great book about what a zookeeper is and their daily life! This is a awesome book for children and adults to read and learn what their job is! Zookeepers are responsible for a lot of things, they learn the animals personality and pay close attention to their health and so much more! A must read!"

"Love this series! What a great book if you're an animal lover and looking to becoming a zookeeper. So much wonderful information and illustrations."

"The very very very first job I ever wanted to be doing when I grew up was being a zoologist. I've had an innate love of, and desire to work with animals. This book really hammers home the courage of taking on a career of Zookeeper, and the hard labor that goes into their care. There is no glazing over the often unseen or unrecognized work involved in the daily lives of Zookeepers. Also, what also comes through loud and clear is the incredible responsibility one has, not only caring for animals to be seen by the public, but as stewards of that species. Wild spaces are ever disappearing and certain species are under threat or worse. Caring and enriching an entire menagerie, while also handling pounds of excrement, is set as both laborious and incredibly satisfying. This book certainly inspired me."

"This wonderfully written book provides great, easy to understand information about zookeepers with charming drawings. The importance of their jobs protecting and caring for the animals, the trust and bond they share, and how careful daily observation can detect illness or injury is explained. Duties of a typical work day, necessary tools and equipment, and the best and hardest parts of this position are detailed. Zookeepers work as a team with the zoo veterinarian, curator, nutritionist, behaviorist, conservation scientist, and education department. Some famous zookeepers and their accomplishments are listed. Fun facts and tips to prepare at a young age for this rewarding occupation are also offered. My six year old granddaughter and I greatly enjoyed learning that zookeepers do more than just feed the animals!"

"Another amazing book from the So You Want to Be A series! This one follows a day in the life of a zookeeper and what can actually be expected in the career. The best parts of the job being the love of animals is also the hardest part of the job when losing an animal they’re close to. The illustrations are phenomenal and would keep the attention of any elementary aged and even to early middle school aged student."

"Having volunteered in a zoo, this is a good reality of what goes on behind the scenes."

"My kids love these books, so I just keep getting them! There's so much interesting information in these books! My kids love them!"

"My son enjoyed looking at the animals and stopping me to ask questions throughout the book. By the end, he had a much better idea of what a zookeeper actually does and why the job takes patience, responsibility, and a lot of hard work. We also talked about how zookeepers use enrichment to keep animals busy and stimulated. I liked seeing how the book explained that animals need things to do and ways to explore their surroundings, just like we do."

"What stood out to me most was how different the job is from the simple idea of spending your day around animals. The section about daily responsibilities makes it clear that cleaning enclosures, preparing specialized diets, providing enrichment, and carefully observing behavior are all essential parts of the work.

I especially liked the explanation of how keepers can notice changes in an animal’s health through things as ordinary as its appetite movement, or even its waste. That detail made the observational side of the job much more interesting and showed how much knowledge keepers develop about the animals they care for.

The chapter on the emotional side of the profession also adds some depth. Caring for an animal for years and then experiencing its death is clearly one of the hardest realities of the job. The stories of Gerald Durrell, Joan Embery, and Lawrence Anthony were interesting examples of how different people have approached animal care and conservation.

By the end the book gives a much more realistic picture of zookeeping. It is physical, demanding, emotional work, but also a career built around patience, observation, responsibility, and genuine care for animals."

"The whole 'so you want to be...' series is so fantastic. As someone who has worked at a zoo this book is fantastic at explaining the good, bad, and ugly parts of the job."

"Love how accurately this book depicts being a zookeeper. It's all about what they do to promote and protect the animals they care for. It shows all of the other things that go into the job-like cleaning, training, and diet preparation."

"I love how these books are laid out. Lots of information for kids and presented in a realistic way. Perfect to spark interests of kids or give them the details of what a day in the life of a zookeeper actually is like!"

"Very in depth without getting bored. Absolutely love the details. Definitely for a teaching aid."

"Another teaching tool in the series by Soules. The simple wording and colorful artwork make this book a joy to read. Young students who peruse all the books in her series uncover what each profession is all about. They have a better understanding of what the job entails

The Zookeeper has many responsibilities and chores daily. They get to know each animal, name it, and learn what quirks they might have. They know when one might be feeling off and when to call the vet. They clean enclosures and feed animals. You'll learn the easiest and hardest parts of becoming a zookeeper.

But seriously, your job is to protect and care for the animals."

"We love the So You Want to be a series. One of my grands loves animals so I read this with him. As always the illustrations are wonderful. We were especially happy it was mostly about caring for animals. He was a little surprised about the cleaning of areas and animals as he just never thought about it. This book covers all the realities from running programs for visitors to the science behind modern zoos."

"So You Want To Be A Zookeeper? by Linda Soules was a wonderfully eye opening read that completely reshaped my view of animal care. Like many readers, I picked it up picturing simple days bonding with exotic animals, but the text immediately grounds you with real world reality. I was particularly struck by the detailed look at morning feeding rounds, writing precise behavioral observations before gates open, and creating mental enrichment activities for species that evolved to hunt and forage. Learning how keepers read subtle stress signals in animal behavior and work alongside veterinarians and nutritionists to protect endangered species gave me a huge appreciation for the science behind zoo care. The book even handles the emotional side of the job, discussing how keepers handle loss and physical burnout when the work gets tough. Written in an honest, encouraging tone that never talks down to young readers, it is an inspiring guide."

"I picked up a few books from this series for my grandkids and was truly amazed that it wasn't your typical children's book. So You Want To Be A Zookeeper takes a serious look at the life of a zookeeper and the science that goes into being one. On top of the rigid daily routine, you also have to know the animals and study their behaviors so that you know when something is off. This book tells you what you need to do and how to go about getting prepared to do it, not just sensationalize working in a zoo every day. So much more goes into it and now my grandson is very informed with facts not just fantasy. Excellent writing."

"Loved reading this with my 12 year old niece. Their job isn't playing with animals. They conserve life and research. Positive reinforcement with animals is needed to many jobs. Didn't realize elephants poop 300 pounds of dung a day! That's crazy!"

"This is such a fun and informative book for kids who are interested in animals! It gives a great look at what zookeepers do and the responsibilities that come with caring for different animals. I love how it makes learning about the career feel exciting and approachable. A great choice for curious kids who love animals and might dream of working with them someday."

"SO YOU WANT TO BE A ZOOKEEPER reveals Linda Soules's consistent instinct in the series: refuse the glamorised version of the career and build from the actual daily texture instead. The zookeeping book opens before the zoo gates do — morning feeding rounds, documented behavioural observations, enrichment activities engineered for animals whose instincts were shaped by open habitats rather than enclosures. I came in expecting something closer to a promotional brochure and found a guide that spends meaningful time on the unglamorous realities: the physical demands, the waste management, the precision required in reading an animal that registers stress and illness through behaviour alone. The sections covering the broader team — veterinarians, nutritionists, wildlife biologists, conservation specialists — reframe the zookeeper's role within a collaborative structure that most readers, young or adult, probably haven't considered. Soules is careful to position the modern zoo as a conservation institution rather than an entertainment venue, and the book's discussion of breeding programmes and habitat research gives that claim substance.

The honesty about emotional difficulty is where the book earns something beyond the informational. Working with animals over long periods, forming attachments, facing losses — Soules addresses this without softening it into abstraction, which is the right call for a readership that will see through evasion quickly, despite their age. The historical figures and the fun facts thread through without overwhelming the practical career content, and the illustrations carry the diversity of settings and roles that the text describes. My slight hesitation, familiar from the other instalments in the series, is that the format constrains how deeply any single dimension can be explored. The conservation angle, in particular, could sustain considerably more development than the page count permits.

SO YOU WANT TO BE A ZOOKEEPER is a guide that respects the gap between romanticising a profession and understanding it. For a young reader already drawn to wildlife and science, the book functions as calibration — here is what this work actually asks of you, alongside what it returns. Easy to recommend for parents and teachers alike!"

"SO YOU WANT TO BE A ZOOKEEPER gives young readers a much deeper look into zoo life than most people would expect. Instead of making the job seem easy or glamorous, the book explains how much work, patience, and knowledge it really takes to care for wild animals every day. It covers everything from feeding routines and cleaning habitats to studying animal behavior and helping with conservation efforts. The book also does a good job showing that zookeepers are not just animal lovers, they are part scientist, part caretaker, and part educator too.

One of the strongest parts of the book is how honest it is about the career. Young readers learn that working with animals can be exciting and rewarding, but also physically demanding and emotionally difficult at times. The explanations are clear and easy to understand without sounding childish, which makes the information feel more real and respectful. I especially liked how the book highlighted the different people involved in animal care, from veterinarians to wildlife specialists, because it helps readers understand how much teamwork goes into running a zoo.

The colorful illustrations and fun facts help keep the book engaging, especially for readers already fascinated by animals and wildlife. It also encourages kids to think seriously about whether this career matches their personality, interests, and willingness to work hard. The sections about conservation and protecting endangered species add extra meaning to the role of a zookeeper beyond simply caring for animals in captivity. SO YOU WANT TO BE A ZOOKEEPER is an informative and thoughtful guide that can help young readers decide whether this exciting and demanding career path is the right fit for them."

"This children's book is endearing, thanks to its colorful illustrations and concise narrative. What's more, So You Want to be a Zookeeper is packed with career advice, animal science, natural resource management, and fun facts.

It describes zookeeping duties and responsibilities, routines and schedules, workplace conditions, tools, respectful interactions with animals, advocacy, animal diversity and welfare, behavioral observations, and other insights from behind the scenes.

I also learned the job’s good and tough parts, interesting facts about conservation programs, animals’ fun activities, inspired young visitors, conservation, and the required soft skills.

Can you name the famous zookeepers in history and their achievements? Want to know some fun facts and the things you can do to set yourself up for a zookeeping career?

This is an eye-opener."

"While written for children, I found it quite detailed and informative, as Soules researched the subject thoroughly. The section at the end of the book showcasing famous zookeepers and what they accomplished was especially endearing."

"This is the second book from this author that I have come across. I love the use of images throughout the book, as it helps keep the attention of young readers.

It gives as many details as possible to children on what being a zookeeper entails. I especially liked reading the fun facts and the famous zookeepers in history, as I learned something new. Good, informative read for kids."

"So You Want To Be A Zookeeper by Linda Soules is a well-written book that contains a wealth of information for those considering zoology as a career path. The book is written for a middle school audience with how it goes into much more detail than basic children's job books and avoids terminology that requires a high school or college education. I have to say the book explores the career path very thoroughly to the point that I, an adult, learned more about the job than I ever knew from school and zoo visits. For instance, it explores how a zookeeper is often assigned to a section of the zoo and how that section can be vastly different based on the needs of the animal; the aquatic area might be damp and smelling of fish while the tropical area might have a keeper sweating from the tropical temperature and humidity. The author also covers the heartbreaking parts of the job such as the fact that animals do get sick and die in ways that cannot always be prevented. The inclusion of this aspect was very useful as it's not an aspect many people think about, yet it is one of the hardest parts of the job.

The book is filled with bright, colorful images that serve to draw the reader in and keep them turning the pages, one after another. Each page of the book is a mix of words and images. I personally liked this balance of written work and visual elements as it offers a deeper emotional depth; it is one thing to read about the warmth one can feel when a new baby is born in their enclosure, but it's another to see an image of the new baby and the emotions on the keeper's face.

Overall, I feel like this book is an excellent choice for anyone thinking about wanting to become a zookeeper."

"I picked this book up because I’ve always loved animals and wondered what it actually takes to work with them every day and Linda Soules does such a wonderful job breaking it all down without making it sound too easy or too scary. It’s not just about playing with cute baby animals like you see in videos; she talks about the hard work, the long hours, the messy days, and how much patience and care you really need. I love how she shares real stories from her own experience, so you get a true sense of what the job is like from someone who’s lived it. She covers everything from learning about different species and their needs, to keeping them healthy, to helping educate people who visit the zoo. It feels like a friend telling you exactly what you should know before you decide if this is the right path for you. It’s written in such a kind, easy‑to‑follow way that never gets boring or too complicated. Whether you’re just curious or you really want to be a zookeeper one day, this book gives you all the real, important details you need, and it left me feeling even more respect for everyone who does this work."

"This book gives a in-depth perspective on what its really like to become a zookeeper. Its a lot more than playing with animals all day; and can actually be a lot of hard but rewarding work. You form a special bond with your animals, know what's normal and what you need to look out for, clean, feed, and build a level of trust that your animal doesn't have with anyone else. They'll look to you and trust that you will be taking care of them properly. It can be a matter of simply making sure they have a good life to bringing their species out of extinction."

"I've read several of these now, even though I am FAR over the recommended age group (8-14), simply because I work with children and like to keep up with resources. ...Zookeeper is exceptional even for this series; it does a great job of addressing the potentially scary parts of working with wild animals without being condescending or scary in its own right."

"Super cute book! I have always said I would love to work at the Zoo. I am 33 years old and I found this but cute and informative. I read it to my 4 year old. She enjoyed the pictures and we had conversations about the animals she noticed in the pictures."

"This book is wonderful for young ones who are showing interest in animals. It actually gives the pros and cons that even most adults don’t realize. I was pleasantly surprised that it even mentioned the types of education that kids should aim towards as they get older."

"As someone who has worked as a keeper, I was very impressed with this book. The book describes the joyful and and the hard. It doesn't shy way from the reality of the job, which has a lot of poop involved. The hard physical labor, the loss when an animal passes. It also shares the joy of bonding with your animals and the important conservation and education missions that zookeepers do. I love the example of species that were brought back from the brink of extinction like the California Condor. Great look at an amazing job for kids!"

"This is a well thought out book about choosing a career as a zookeeper. I liked how it spoke to not only the excitement of the job, but science, the workload and the love and compassion that a committed career like this would expect.

The illustrations are beautifully done. I would choose this book for a classroom setting. The ending is specifically unique. I enjoyed the thought provoking ideas and questions that were asked of the reader.

In conclusion, this sounds like a very rewarding career that can really make a difference. I enjoyed the message."

"This is a great book from children excited about being a zookeeper. It gives valuable information and really helps to see what a day in the life of a zookeeper is like.I also like how it mentioned the interactions that they have with the animals are built over years of trust as I feel that is helpful to know as it can help children understand it doesn't just happen over night and you have to be safe. I also like how it mentions the famous zookeepers at the end as well as fun facts and a glossary with important terms and definitions. Really cool book."

"I love this series. This is a particularly great book because children love animals and many children dream of working in a zoo. It explains how important zoos are for conservation, listing a few accomplishments in helping to save a species. It hits on how zoos cannot put prey near predators because the aromas are carried and the prey get stressed. It talks about designing activities for the animals. I especially like that it encourages children to become familiar with local shelters because you’ll learn about keeping animals safe and clean."

"This is a wonderful book for anyone who loves animals! The stories and information are engaging, heartwarming, and easy to enjoy. It captures the beauty, uniqueness, and importance of animals in a special way. The content is well presented and keeps you interested from beginning to end. This is definitely a keeper and a great addition to any book collection! I recommend it to all animal lovers.!!!"

"This book is a great resource for a mother or teacher who know a child who loves animals and dreams of working with them when they grow up. They will be introduced to what it's actually like if they were to work in a zoo with large animals. How the day starts very early before the zoo opens. When the zookeeper arrives at the enclosure for their assigned animals they clean the enclosure and feed the animals a diet of meat, fruit and veggies. They watch the animals to determine their health and happiness. They would take them for medical treatment if needed and of course love them all day."

"I absolutely love these 'so you want to be' books because they give you lots of important and useful information. It goes into detail about what a day as a zookeeper actually looks like and everything that comes it takes to keep up a zoo. I’ve always loved animals and this was a cool read for me."

"Such a cute story for kids to learn about the job of a zookeeper! This book has lots of information for kids including a job description, what kinds of things zookeepers do daily, and what some of the best and hardest parts of the job are. The pictures are colorful and detailed making the text more engaging for kids. Great resource to learn about a new job!"

"This is a beautifully created book for young readers. It wraps facts, historical information, realistic insight and engaging illustrations around careful themes of trust, care and integrity. It feels well informed and personal, and speaks in a way that is easy to understand. The images relate strongly to the text which make it easy to imagine yourself in the role of a zoo keeper, and the different topics take you through the journey of a keeper from ‘A day in the life’ and ‘Who you will work with’ to the importance of the work done by zoo keepers. Importantly, the book refers to conservation and endangerment, leaving a lasting impression on the importance and reasonings of caring for all animals. It encourages care and responsibility for the world we live in and the animals we share it with. I particularly like the guide at the end of the book which informs the next steps to prepare for a career in zoo keeping, offering practical guidance. The author offers advice on how to learn more with a ‘what to read next’, ‘websites to explore’ and ‘things to do’ which assigns ownership and responsibility to young minds."

"What a fantastic insight to what it takes to become a zoo keeper! Love how this book highlights the importance of animal behaviours and also points to the essential work of keeping species from going extinct. Fantastic book for the young and old. So much thought and information has gone into this book and it’s accompanied by beautiful illustrations."

"Beautiful artwork that draws you into the pages of the book!! This book is a Moms Choice Award book which tells you a lot in and of itself. The book to me feels like it could fit a younger child between ages 6-9 especially if it’s being read to your child. It covers topics like responsibilities, food prep, animal enrichment, reading animal cues, the veterinary team, and preserving animals that are going extinct. Highly recommend to the animal lover in your family!!"

"Excellent read that accurately describes the Zookeeper career. Very detailed, great use of proper terms with an included glossary really makes this book go above and beyond. Anyone who wants to work with animals should read this!"