The Wild World of Zoobooks

We Have Moved!

2010-06-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Our blog has changed addresses...and we don't want to miss you! Please check us out at www.blog.zoobooks.com. See you soon!

Graduation Time

2010-05-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

In this season of milestones, we are looking for stories of Zoobooks fans from way back. Did you get a subscription as a child? How old were you, and what part in your growing up years did Zoobooks play? Nowadays, people in the Zoobooks family can start with Zoobies as babies, move on in preschool years to Zootles, and then graduate to Zoobooks. Tell us what life was like before all those options!

Zoobies Needs You, Too

2010-05-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Covers are always fun to choose. And when we're choosing for Zoobies, our magazine for our youngest fans, we want to be sure that we've got an image that really engages and entertains. Which of these images do you see as a better cover shot?

Connect to the Louisville Zoo

2010-05-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Louisville Zoo is helping us celebrate our May Zootles issue, Backyard Birds, through their Backyard Action Hero program for kids. The activities and guide books are loads of downloadable fun, and are just the ticket for empowering children to help their environment. We'd love to hear your review of the program, and whether you would appreciate similar zoo connections to enrich your child.

This One Has to be Perfect

2010-04-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

We need a dramatic, double-page photo to use as the introductory spread in our upcoming Zootles issue, Bears. It's important that the photo show how closely young bear cubs need to stick to their mothers for safety. Which image here do you think better demonstrates that, and is at the same time the most appealing picture?

Earth Day Adventures

2010-04-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

Zoobooks has got three suggestions for your Earth Day week:
1. Read Rachel Carson's "Preserving a Sense of Wonder" with your child.
2. Visit a National Park (they're free this week!)
3. Take your child on a wildlife adventure. This could be as simple as a close-up look at the bugs in your backyard, or as special as a trip to a zoo or nature preserve near you.
Enjoy!

What is Earth Day Worth?

2010-04-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

Plenty! Earth Day is this Thursday, April 22^nd. Your friends at Zoobooks have got some ideas about how to get involved and empower your family to make a difference.

Everybody, no matter how small, can be a force for change. Ecology.com offers lots of practical and simple advice for kids to improve the air quality in their own neighborhoods.

Making ourselves heard is important, too. The World Wildlife Fund wants to make sure you can directly reach decision makers to let them know how you feel about specific environmental concerns. Letter writing can be a major influence!

Change can also come through fundraising. Audubon’s Pennies for the Planet program is a kid-friendly way to make every penny count. It's not too late to decorate a jar and start piling up pennies.

After all that hard work defending Mother Earth, we suggest kids treat themselves to a visit to the Environmental Kids Club. Their home page offers access to more tips and projects, but it’s also a fun place to hunt up earth-friendly puzzles and games. Enjoy!

Read your magazine. When you read an issue of Zoobooks, Zootles, or Zoobies magazine, it gets you thinking. Feel free to post ideas on our Facebook page or our blog. We want kids and their families to inspire each other all year long--not just on Earth Day.

Zootles Bears Needs a Cover, Too!

2010-04-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

We can't forget the delightful bears coming up in July to educate and inspire our younger Zootles readers. We know the cover has got to be cute--which of these bears would you like to see peeking out at you?

The Elephants Are Coming!

2010-04-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

We are very excited about welcoming Elephants back into the Zoobooks subscription series. The cover has got to be just right! Weigh in and let us know which of these images you would prefer for the July issue--and be sure to share the reason behind your choice.

Zootles Zooworks Contest

2010-03-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

Our monthly Zooworks contest in Zoobooks is very popular. We often receive as many as 800 entries a month from children hoping to have their drawings or poems published in an issue or on our website.

We have launched a similar contest for our younger Zootles readers, but with less enthusiastic results. What do you see as the key to encouraging younger artists to contribute?

Action vs. Beauty

2010-03-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

In years past, the thinking when choosing a cover photograph for Zoobooks was that a close-up portrait, where the animal had eye-contact with the camera, was ideal. This created a connection with the viewer, and allowed for a lot of detail.

But what do you think of showing an action shot on the cover, instead? Would the drama of a shot like this outweigh the personal connection of a portrait?

Empowering or Overwhelming?

2010-03-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Kids want to help animals, and Zoobooks wants to provide an channel for their energy. There is quite a debate, however, about how much ominous environmental news children should have to hear. There is a fine line between teaching/informing a child so he or she can make a difference, and making a child feel that a situation is too big to manage, and consequently hopeless.

We at Zoobooks want to be all about empowerment, and not fear. We are constantly looking for new options for activities and projects that take a very small view of a bigger issue, so that kids are set up for success. Are you aware of any such projects you'd like to share? Do you have any thoughts or comments on this debate? Help us make Zoobooks better than ever.

Help Us Choose a Cover for the Backyard Birds Issue!

2010-03-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

It's time to make a final cover pick for the May/June Zootles issue, Backyard Birds. Which of these photos do you see flying its way into your home?

Issue Alert!

2010-03-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

Keep an eye on your mailbox...Zoobooks Sea Otters, Zootles Whales, and Zoobies Animal Babies will be on their way to you shortly, and should be arriving between March 10th and 17th. Be the first to review your issue here!

We all love to get out and explore nature...

2010-02-25T06:29:00.001-08:00

Spring break is coming up soon and your family may also be planning your summer vacation. We thought we'd ask for your feedback about your favorite zoos, science/nature museums, nature centers, and national parks (or state parks). We want to create an online resource list for our subscribers.

We'd love to hear from you. Please give us the name of your favorite zoo, science/nature museum, nature center, or national park and WHY YOU LIKE IT. We'll add your comments to our list. You'll be helping other Zoobooks/Zootles/Zoobies families with your reviews & comments. We'll post your information with your initials and your location if you give us that information. Please let us know if you want your suggestion to be marked anonymous

Thanks in advance for pitching in.

ZooTube: Have You Tuned In?

2010-02-24T16:45:00.000-08:00

It's better to see a butterfly break out of its chrysalis than to just hear about it. That's why we offer our ZooTube option on our website--to make animals come alive. Right now we offer this adventure address on the back covers of our issues, but what do you think of incorporating these video links within the text of the issue to illustrate different points? Can you see yourself putting down your issue in mid-read to pursue related live-action on your computer?

Digital Previews

2010-02-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out our digital previews of the upcoming issues yet? You can see the entire issue before it ever even arrives in the mail! Do you enjoy this perk, or do you prefer to be kept in suspense until your printed issue is in your hands?

Jump in to This Photo Dilemma

2010-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

We're selecting a large, dramatic photo to end our upcoming April issue, Old World Monkeys. We originally started off with the monkey leaping through the forest that you see here. But now we are wondering if the baby riding on its mother's back is more endearing. What do you think?

New Contest Ideas

2010-02-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

We'd like to offer our readers a chance to share their creativity with others who share their interests. Which of these opportunities do you think people would be most eager for?
1. A place to publish their animal photography
2. A place to publish animal illustrations or stories
3. A place to post fun family photos of kids interacting with animals
Or have you already come up with an even better alternative to these? We'd love to know.

Have You "Safaried" Yet?

2010-01-27T16:35:00.000-08:00

We're talking about our eSafari--our electronic newsletter full of news, games, activities, and crafts. When it comes to social media, how does the eSafari rank with you, especially when considering Facebook and blogging? What particular advantages are you looking for when you click your newsletter open?

We Need a Whale of a Winner

2010-01-20T15:47:00.000-08:00

Nice close-up whale portraits aren't easy to come by. Whales tend to overflow camera view finders! Which of these potential cover images do you think would better appeal to our 3-6 year old readers of Zootles?

'Tis Better to Give....

2010-01-14T08:44:00.000-08:00

When you give a subscription as a gift, how do you prefer to present it? Does a simple gift card suffice? Do you prefer to wrap that up with a copy of an issue? How about subscription bonus items like stickers or posters--are they the best way of saying the first issue is on its way?

Designing a Closing Spread

2010-01-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

Whenever we end a Zoobooks issue, we hope to do it with a photograph that is both dramatic and memorable. Here are a couple of choices for our upcoming Butterflies issue, which will reach subscribers in February. Which of these images do you prefer, and why?

Thought For The Day

2009-12-30T14:39:00.000-08:00

Even the woodpecker owes his success to the fact that he uses his head and keeps pecking away until he finishes the job he starts.

Quote by Coleman Cox

What Animals Do You Want to See in Zoobooks?

2009-12-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

Subscribers have recently received issues on Cheetahs, Dolphins, and even Animal All-stars. Do you have specific titles you are watching for in your mailbox? Let us know what you're looking for, so we can be sure we've got your favorites covered!

Cover Time! Help Us Choose

2009-12-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

We've got some great cover photo options for our upcoming Alligators issue--would you like to weigh in on our choices?

20 Questions Awards

2009-12-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

We have a great feature on our website for kids called "20 Questions." After kids read their Zoobooks issue, they can check out this web page to find out how much they've learned. When they're successful answering the questions, they're rewarded with funny animal jokes. But we're thinking of taking this one step further: what do you think of offering them a printable Achievement Certificate instead--or in addition? We'd like to hear your thoughts.

What Do You Look For in Photos?

2009-11-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

Zoobooks demonstrates many things using photography. We often try to show specific animal behaviors or their connection to humans, but we also want to inspire readers with an animal's natural beauty. Which would you like to see more of in Zoobooks?

See our new ZooTube!!!

2009-11-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a video link to our ZooTube site that has some cool vids:

See this cool video about spinner dolphins on Zootube:
Click here to view.

Snail Mail vs. Email

2009-11-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

Both Zoobooks and Zootles readers have the chance to get their original artwork displayed in the Kids Zooworks section of our website--but the format in which we accept this artwork is very different for each magazine. Zoobooks readers send in their original drawings by regular mail. Zootles readers can only send computer scans via email. Do you see a benefit or hindrance in one delivery over another? Any suggestions?

Help Us Choose a Cover Photo!

2009-11-12T13:29:00.000-08:00

It's that time again...we are ready to choose a new cover photo for our upcoming Zoobooks, Cheetahs. Which one should it be?

Dolphins Swimming Your Way!

2009-11-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

The upcoming Zoobooks title is Dolphins & Porpoises!!

And if you want to be "one fin up" on your child, try the Zoobooks Ocean Quiz Game to test your knowledge (and maybe learn a thing or two).

www.zoobooks.com/zootube

2009-11-04T14:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever checked out this link? We're looking for reviewers who can let us know how our live-action links are working for our readers and their families. Does it add to your Zoobooks experience to have a real wild animal sounding off in your living room?

Anyone For a Contest?

2009-10-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Kids Zooworks is very popular among our readers. We often receive 800 drawings, stories, and poems from children every month. But what about contests for parents? As an adult, do you have any interest in submitting your animal photography for display on our website? We'd love to hear from you.

A New Zoobooks Mascot?

2009-10-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

Otto and Allie are the much-beloved mascots of Zootles. We are considering adding a mascot to Zoobooks. Is this something older children can still appreciate? What kind of mascot personality do you see them relating to?

Help Us Choose a Zootles Cover Photo!

2009-10-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

Which photo do you think would make a better cover for our upcoming Zootles issue on zebras? Place your vote now!

All Aboard the Next eSafari!

2009-10-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Have you tried our e-newsletter yet? We'd love to know what you think about the projects and fun opportunities we're providing the kids. Is there specific information you're not seeing here that you'd like to see? What do you think of the frequency of our once-every-two-week eSafari treks? Try www.zoobooks.com/safari to weigh in your opinion!

Thoughts for the Day

2009-10-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

"What is the good of having a nice house, without a decent planet to put it on?" --Henry David Thoreau

"Anyone who thinks the sky is the limit, has a limited imagination." --Anonymous

"It is never too late to be what we might have been." --George Eliot

Do you have any inspirational favorites you'd like to share?

Digital Issues Now Available!

2009-10-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

We get excited about upcoming Zoobooks issues just like your kids do. Why wait? Check out www.zoobooks.com/digital-subscription.asp, and you'll get a full, unabridged look at the new Zoobooks and Zootles issues coming up in November. Let us know not only what you think of the issue, but how you feel about having sneak peeks like this on a regular basis.

Should pandas be allowed to go extinct?

2009-09-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Conservationists all over the world are working hard to save animals. But is that always the best idea? One scientist has come forth with the very controversial claim that giant pandas should be allowed to die out in the wild. Check out this Reuters article on the subject, and let us know what you think.
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE58L1P320090922

Have You Tried Our New FREE Audio Zootles?

2009-09-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

Have you pressed the free audio download button at the top of this page yet? We are eager to hear what you thought of the download process, and what you or your child thought of your free audio version of Zootles Frogs. What parts did your family like best? The frog "music"? Quirky Otto, always inserting his wry comments? Tell us, too, if keeping up with the narrator was easy or hard. We want our free downloads to serve you better and better!

Dolphin Ancestry

2009-09-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

Dolphins have an interesting history...their ancestors are thought to have been land-dwelling animals that looked sort of like wolves. Would you be interested in seeing more on the history and development of dolphins and other animals in the Zoobooks series?

Help Us Choose a Cover Photo!

2009-09-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

One of the fun parts of putting a magazine together is choosing the cover photo. It can often be wonderfully difficult to narrow down the choices! What do you think of these two images here for the cover of our upcoming November issue, Dolphins? We'd love to hear your artistic opinion.

Digital Sneak Peeks

2009-09-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

We are strongly considering making a digital version of Zoobooks available on our website in advance of each month's printed issue. How does this strike you? We hope it will whet our readers' appetites, and stir up even greater anticipation for their printed issue. But should we be concerned that this will make the printed issue "old news" when it arrives? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Animal All Stars

2009-06-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

The ostrich lays a bigger egg than any other bird in the world. In our upcoming Zoobooks issue, Animal All-Stars, we have a couple of choices as to how to demonstrate this amazing egg. First, we can show an ostrich egg juxtaposed with a tiny hummingbird egg. Or, we can show how a single ostrich egg has been known to feed as many as 8-10 people by showing the egg in relation to a table full of people. (The Bushmen of Africa have always been careful to harvest one egg for food while leaving another in the nest to ensure a continued healthy ostrich population.) Which sounds more intriguing to you?

New at Germany's Dortmund Zoo

2009-05-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Times combines facts with fascination in this charming story about some new lion cubs at the Dortmund Zoo in Germany. The little guys are pretty doggone (or should we say catgone?) irresistible. Did you know that all females in a lion pride work together to protect and feed all the cubs? Because multiple females can catch more food than a single mother could catch, all of the babies eat better and stay healthier. Let us know if you have any interesting lion cub info you'd like to add to what we can learn here: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/02/lion-cubs.html

The Top Ten Animal Movies of All Time

2009-05-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

What should they be? And what are your favorites? Following is a list of beloved animal movies nominated by Animal Planet as the best critter features of all time. Do you feel they forgot anything? Right away we ask, what about Charlotte's Web?

10. Dr. Doolittle (1998)
9. That Darn Cat (1965)
8. Free Willy (1993)
7. Eight Below (1996)
6. The Jungle Book (1994)
5. The Yearling (1946)
4. Fly Away Home (1996)
3. Babe (1995)
2. The Black Stallion (1979)
1. Old Yeller (1957)

Disappearing Act of the World's 2nd Largest Fish Explained

2009-05-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

Science Daily magazine is reporting that basking sharks--second in size only to whale sharks--have been discovered "hiding out" for half the year in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic. Until now, no one knew why the sharks "disappeared" during the winter months, or where they went, but new satellite-based tagging technology has determined that they are migrating at depths of 200-1,000 meters--which explains how they have gone undetected in the past. For more details, check out the full article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507121953.htm