Zootles Zooworks Contest

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

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?

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!

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!

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...

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?

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?