Reviews
Welcome to the Zoo
Read the reviews from: Kirkus Reviews, Untold Reads and Literary Titan about Welcome to the Zoo.
Reviews of Welcome to the Zoo
Kirkus Review of Welcome to the Zoo
Animal characters strive to get along and be true to themselves in Smith’s collection of short stories for children.
In the opening tale, “Leo is Missing,” forest animals worry over the inexplicably absent king of the jungle. An unlikely team, including a badger, a tiger, and a relatively clueless rabbit, forms to track down Leo. Each of this book’s 30 stories features an array of beasts, ranging from barnyard animals to sea creatures to domesticated pets. They’re anthropomorphic—every character talks and engages in typically human activities such as playing poker, singing at a royal wedding, or competing in a curling tournament. The author has presumably tailored this material for children, notwithstanding a few questionable bits (“The Casino” features gambling, cocktails, and potential cheaters suffering physical intimidation). The majority of the stories, however, teem with positive messages: There are Jewish animals who celebrate the Passover and animals in Africa who recognize Ramadan, the Muslim period of fasting. Others simply crave acceptance, like Rex, a gay whale who’s anxious about coming out to his friends and family, and a North American black bear who faces prejudice based on the color of his fur. Smith deftly handles sensitive topics, including school bullying in “Animal Kingdom Elementary” and the death of a loved one in “Grief and Loss” (“they could finally focus on moving forward together while keeping alive memories of their beloved matriarch, who had served them well until her final breath”). But there’s plenty of fun as well; in “Easter Egg Hunt,” Bunny helps an old friend, Mr. Squirrel, get mischievous revenge on humans, who ruined last year’s egg hunt for the animals.
Smith fills the pages with a wonderful assortment of nonhuman characters, depicting birds, deer, elephants, snakes, sloths, octopi, and many more from the animal kingdom. The tales are jam-packed with memorable moments like a raccoon DJing at a party, Marty the fox pulling off breakdance moves, and forest critters telling scary stories around a campfire. The narratives celebrate all that nature and the animal kingdom have to offer: “Ribbit Ribbit” spotlights a frogs’ “choir of croaks,” and the collection’s serene final story, “Good Night Dear Friends,” looks in on a series of animals snuggling down in their natural habitats. The author delivers sublimely concise stories, which are all (with one exception) broken up into short, easy-to-read chapters. Unfortunately, there’s some repetition among them—several plots involve hunts for missing individuals or things, there are two tales about escaping a zoo, and the transgendered sheep Gwendolyn’s dilemma is similar to Rex’s. The same names pop up in multiple stories, including Bubbles (dog and butterfly); Benny (badger, rabbit, and beaver); and Ruby (rabbit, raccoon, and snake). While the stories hit on myriad topics, one notably recurring theme is the notion of community; in so many instances, these animals help each other, band together for a common cause, or fight to protect their homes and one another. The result is a consistently uplifting collection filled with generally good-natured characters that will leave most readers feeling buoyant and eager to peruse the contents again.
Charming creatures headline an assemblage of zestful, enriching, and wholly absorbing tales.
Untold Reads review of Welcome to the Zoo
‘Welcome to the zoo’ by Paul Smith is a heartwarming collection of 30 short animal stories, that beautifully showcases the enchanting world of animal friendship. Through its captivating tales, it imparts valuable lessons of love, courage, and power of diversity that draws children and young readers into an immersive realm of fantasy. From the brave lions to devoted rabbits and vibrant unicorns, the pages take readers on a delightful journey through richly described animal habitats, leaving an indelible mark on young minds. The tales inspire a connection with the wonders of the animal kingdom, fostering meaningful friendships rooted in acceptance and an appreciation for differences.
Author Paul’s writing is an intriguing fusion of fun and adventure, skillfully employing simple and accessible language. His vivid portrayal of animal behavior across various scenarios renders the work universally appealing, making it a perfect fit for readers of all ages. This engaging narrative serves as an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers, offering a enthralling experience that seeks to instill kindness and empathy in the hearts of young readers.
With its charming characters and masterfully crafted world-building, ‘Welcome to the zoo’ by Paul Smith is sure to inculcate important life lessons through the magic of storytelling. Embarking on this literary safari is a journey towards not just entertainment but a profound understanding of the world around us. A spell binding read that promises joy and imagination, this 5-star wonder is the ultimate holiday gift for young readers.
Literary Titan review of Welcome to the Zoo
In Welcome to the Zoo, author Paul Smith, drawing on his background as a registered nurse with a fondness for dogs, skillfully crafts a collection of 30 engaging stories. These narratives transport readers on a captivating journey, introducing a rich tapestry of characters. From the majestic King Leo and the elegant Queen Vera to Gwendolyn, a sheep who bravely discovers her identity, and Quackie, a duckling learning to overcome his fear of water. The soothing songs of serenading frogs and the nighttime melodies of the Big Owl enrich the story, creating a beloved array of animal characters.
Smith’s vibrant storytelling brings the Animal Kingdom to life with exciting adventures, festive celebrations, games, egg hunts, and concerts, all brimming with laughter and warm conversations. The stories celebrate diverse festivals like Passover and Ramadan and tackle themes ranging from anti-bullying to embracing diversity, including the experiences of transgender animals.
At its heart, Welcome to the Zoo shares a touching message of love, respect, and kindness, reminiscent of Aesop’s fables but with a contemporary twist. It offers valuable moral lessons wrapped in delightful animal tales, appealing to both adults and young readers alike.
I enjoyed the simplicity and comforting rhythm of the narratives. Fans of animal tales and moral fiction will find much to appreciate in this book. This charming children’s book portrays transgender animals as well, adding a unique dimension to this children’s book that I think parents should take note of.
Welcome to the Zoo is a delightful exploration of empathy, wisdom, and compassion set against the magical backdrop of the animal kingdom. It promises an enjoyable read for children and adults who appreciate heartwarming animal stories with meaningful lessons.
Reviews of Ivory
Untold Reads Review of Ivory
A Bold Voice in Environmental Crime Fiction
Immersing readers in the shadowy underworld of ivory trafficking and the high‑stakes fight to save Africa’s elephants, ‘Ivory’ by Paul Smith is a gripping eco‑thriller that straddles crime fiction and conservation drama.
In Guangzhou, Ming Wei’s life takes a dark turn after the Black Claws gang kills his mentor, Old Dragon Yuan. Racked with guilt, Ming Wei turns informant for Detective Li Jie, exposing “Operation White Gold,” a massive ivory shipment routed through Kenya. Simultaneously, in the Serengeti, conservation officer Zara Okonkwo discovers a brutal elephant massacre marked with the Black Claws’ signature claw gouges. Teaming up with Interpol agent Jack Hawkins, Zara uncovers a sinister scheme to flood the market with lab‑grown “synthetic ivory” as cover for real tusks. As Ming infiltrates Huang’s inner circle and Zara exposes corruption within Kenya Wildlife Service, two storylines converge in a pre‑dawn raid on a coastal warehouse.
Paul Smith’s writing hooks you from the first page, shifting effortlessly between the gritty glow of Guangzhou and the harsh beauty of East Africa. His scenes are so vivid—steam-choked markets, bloodied savannahs—you can almost feel the heat and tension. The plot moves at just the right pace, balancing deep insider knowledge of conservation and crime with emotionally resonant characters. Ming’s redemption journey and Zara’s determination give the story heart, while the supporting cast bring nuance and complexity. With crisp dialogue and real stakes, the story builds to a payoff that feels both earned and thought-provoking.
Gripping, gutsy, and unforgettable, ‘Ivory’ delivers a compelling blend of action and insight. If you’re into crime stories with real-world stakes, this is a must-read. Paul Smith masterfully combines heart-pounding suspense with a powerful message about wildlife conservation, keeping the story both thrilling and thought-provoking. Whether you’re drawn to detective tales or passionate about environmental causes, this book hits the mark. Solid 5 stars—no hesitation!
Kirkus Review of Ivory
Smith’s eco-thriller follows two unlikely allies as they attempt to take down an international ivory-trafficking syndicate that’s leaving endangered elephants on the brink of extinction.
After seeing his mentor get murdered by a rival gang, Chinese ivory smuggler Ming Wei vows to spend the rest of his existence attempting to atone for his depraved past by taking down an illegal ivory-trafficking syndicate and (he hopes) saving countless elephants in the process. (“The lingering horrors of the night, the death of a mentor—they wouldn’t fade without meaning. Ming Wei would step into the light, becoming the informant he never thought he could be, fueled not by guilt, but by a sense of purpose.”) In East Africa, Kenyan conservation officer Zara Okonkwo is futilely trying to protect the elephants in her sanctuary from poachers who are shockingly well organized and always seem to have inside information. Okonkwo suspects that her boss, Samuel Kimani, the head of the Kenya Wildlife Service, is working with an international organized crime ring and is profiting from the slaughter of the gentle giants. After confronting Kimani, Okonkwo is predictably suspended. When the Chinese police and Interpol get involved and pair Wei and Okonkwo together in an investigation to uncover the mysterious leader behind the globe-spanning operation, the former smuggler and courageous conservation officer learn they’re up against an organization much bigger and more powerful than they ever imagined. While the narrative’s setup is a compelling hook, the storyline has two major flaws: two-dimensional characters and an overuse of sensationalized dialogue. Wei and Okonkwo are only superficially developed—their lack of backstory and depth (apart from their unwavering dedication to their cause) precludes an emotional connection with the reader. The stilted dialogue, filled with far too many melodramatic declarations, renders the characters even more shallow; a surfeit of lines like, “today, we fight for justice. For Ming, for the elephants, for the future” quickly lose their impact.
The premise is powerful, but thin characterizations make for an emotionally disconnected read.
Reviews of Rhino
Literary Titan Review of Rhino
This gripping novel blends raw emotion with a high-stakes narrative centered around the illegal wildlife trade and the desperate search for a cure. At the heart of the story is Dr. Minh Tran, a respected Vietnamese oncologist secretly battling terminal cancer, and his daughter Linh, a determined research scientist who uncovers both her father’s illness and his entanglement with dangerous players in the illicit rhino horn trade. As the story unfolds across the chaotic streets of Hanoi and the sterile corridors of hospitals, it morphs into a race against time, where hope, love, ethics, and desperation collide.
I was surprised by the book’s emotional intensity. Smith writes with a quiet force, capturing the nuance of human vulnerability without overplaying the drama. I felt Linh’s panic, Dr. Tran’s despair, and the moral ambiguity pressing down on them like a physical weight. Their relationship was equal parts strained and tender. It felt authentic. The prose was direct and often lyrical, but never flowery. Scenes moved at a brisk pace, though Smith allowed just enough time for introspection. I appreciated that restraint. Nothing felt indulgent. Still, there were moments I wished for more exploration, more of Linh’s internal unraveling as she drifted from scientist to would-be conspirator.
That said, the ideas themselves were bold and uncomfortable in the best way. The book dares to ask: what would you sacrifice to save someone you love? Your career? Your values? Your freedom? It doesn’t preach. Instead, it presents complex choices and lets the reader wrestle with them. The rhino horn trade, with all its grotesque implications, is not only central to the plot but a metaphor for desperation itself. Smith clearly did his homework on conservation and corruption, and I came away both enlightened and unsettled. Still, I felt some shadowy characters lacked the same depth afforded to the protagonists, which slightly dulled the narrative’s realism.
RHINO is a powerful and emotionally charged story that will appeal to readers who crave moral tension, human drama, and international intrigue. It’s especially moving for those interested in medicine, environmentalism, and family dynamics. I’d recommend it to fans of medical thrillers and character-driven suspense alike. For me, it was a heartfelt and unforgettable ride.