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.
Author Stewart Bint's review of Welcome to the Zoo
At first, I didn’t know what to make of this book, because I was confused as to who its target audience was.
The overview on Amazon claims it’s an anthology for all ages, and one review says it’s for kids between 6 and 12. But the language used, and sentence construction, along with the style and content of the 30 stories themselves, would indicate it’s aimed more towards older teenagers and young adults.
Apart from one story, they all follow the same five-chapter formula. Generally, Chapter One sets the scene and introduces the all-animal characters; Chapter Two expands on those, and develops the plotline; Chapters Three and Four provide the thrust of the action; with the final chapter often being more of an epilogue.
Once I’d finished the book and fully digested the stories, everything became clearer, and if the author set out to portray the beauty and diversity to be found in the world, and how harmony can overcome a variety of problems, he certainly succeeded.
Although the book is called Welcome To The Zoo, almost all the stories are actually set in the wilds of the jungle, and each one imparts an important moral about gender, religion, love, courage, friendship, inclusivity, and other emotionally heartwarming and educational messages.
In many ways, just as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is also known as A Modern Prometheus, this book could readily be seen as a modern Aesop’s Fables, with the animals portraying human behaviour which conveys a life lesson, in an entertaining and often humorous way.
Each of the 30 stories only takes a few moments to read, making this book perfect for a month of bedtimes.
So, the big question – four or five stars? In my opinion, Welcome To The Zoo is a book to be savoured. A marathon rather than a sprint. Which is why I suggest just one story a day for a month. The formulaic style might be a bit too much for any more. But, if handled in this way, the human values portrayed in these delightful tales will be successfully drip-fed to your child, meriting the full five stars.
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
BestThrillers.com Review of Rhino
"The Bottom Line: RHINO is a luminous debut thriller that is terrifying, deeply atmospheric and morally fearless.
RHINO begins in Hanoi, where Linh Tran, a promising young scientist and devoted daughter to 55-year-old oncologist Dr. Minh Tran, faces the quiet terror of her father’s cancer. Debut novelist Paul Smith delivers his first dose of heartbreaking irony as Dr. Tran struggles to communicate the steps to treat his own patient’s breast cancer. Soon after, daughter Linh searches for cures late into the night.
She soon encounters a potential solution that is too powerful to ignore – the age-old claim that powdered rhino horn can heal that which is otherwise incurable. For Linh, this potential lifeline is bound in secrecy, personal peril and the iron grip of organized crime. In the early going, Linh is confronted by whispers, threats and half-seen dangers, never certain whom to trust. These early chapters, where the stakes are deeply personal but tinged with something larger, are among the book’s strongest. Smith layers dread throughout with subtle cues: a masked intruder rifling through Linh’s home, a chilling warning dropped at a lecture, the way her father’s illness seems both natural and orchestrated. In the process, Smith draws us into Linh’s understandable paranoia.
Smith’s memorable villain, trafficker Khanh Pham, demands more than simply money. In one of the book’s most gripping scenes, he demands that Linh do the unthinkable while forcing her to cross moral boundaries: “You want rhino horn to save your father, but loyalty must be proven first…Do you seek your father’s salvation or do you cling to your morals?”
Elsewhere, Smith’s supporting cast is nearly as intriguing. Nguyen Vu and Inspector Hoang Le, investigators enmeshed in the fight against trafficking, deliver cautious pragmatism that contrasts with Linh’s desperation. Mai, Linh’s closest friend, functions as a warm and watchful counterpoint.
Smith roots the narrative in the fierce love between father and daughter while exposing the rot of systems that profit from desperation. In execution, Smith’s prose balances immediacy with atmosphere: a hospital room buzzing with fluorescent sterility, the clammy air of black-market warehouses, rain-slicked Hanoi streets where danger clings to every shadow. While a pure joy to read, the book’s strongest aspect is actually the way it refuses to deliver easy answers. Instead, Smith compels readers to sit with discomfort. What would you risk to save a loved one? The novel offers plenty of suspense and drama, as well as the unsettling reminder that every choice, no matter how well-intentioned, carries a cost."
CanReads Critical Review of Rhino
Echoing the passionate advocacy of South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony, whose fight to protect elephants and rhinos from poachers became legendary, Paul Smith channels that same spirit of urgency and empathy in his latest novel, Rhino. Once again, Smith’s love for animals is unmistakable—woven through every page with the age-old question that haunts both his characters and his readers: How far would we go to protect and save our loved ones?
That question soon fractures into darker “what ifs.” What if, in exchange for the life of a cherished parent, sibling, or friend, we have to let go of everything we hold dear? It is into this dark night of the soul that Smith immerses us, grabbing our hand and leading us full-tilt into Hanoi’s chaotic tapestry of sights and smells—its “street vendors in conical hats,” its “calls mixing with the constant symphony of motorbike horns and bicycle bells.” The city becomes a living, breathing backdrop to a gripping story about sacrifice, survival, and moral reckoning.
Readers first meet Dr. Minh Tran, a 55-year-old oncologist whose career and life is dedicated to fighting cancer with modern medicine. His obsession, however, lures him into the dangerously dark depths of the black market, where he becomes a prime target for those seeking to profit from the forbidden “cures” derived from rhino horns. The belief that these horns possess miraculous healing powers is, of course, unfounded—yet, as Smith notes, “on the black market, a single kilogram of rhino horn can fetch up to $60,000—more valuable than gold, platinum, or even cocaine.”
Tran’s daughter, Linh, a 28-year-old research scientist, is both the novel’s moral compass and emotional core. She embodies the ballsy (if sometimes naïve) hero that we all aspire to be. Torn between saving her father and preserving the lives of the endangered rhinos, she embodies a new generation’s struggle with ethics and empathy. Her courage feels heartbreakingly human, making her one of Smith’s most compelling and relatable protagonists.
Smith’s underworld is visceral and unrelenting, where “mercy has no place.” Bad guys and vile situations seize the reader’s attention like a four-car pileup on the 401—horrifying, yet impossible to look away from. Ghastly moments, such as the discovery of a severed finger beside the mutilated body of a rhino, pull readers deeper into the chaos. Swollen with rot yet still wearing a silver ring, said finger is an image that lurks in the memory, like a whisper waiting to be beckoned forth. Smith’s depiction of Hanoi’s criminal underbelly is equally cinematic and suffocating, populated by ruthless figures like Khanh Pham—a villain as magnetic as he is monstrous—and his brutal enforcer, Hanh. The result is a thriller drenched in deceit and betrayal: corrupt police ranks, a kidnapped friend, tumultuous chases through Hanoi’s seedy alleyways, Linh’s desperate moral compromises, and plot twists that breathe intrigue into every page.
While Rhino’s story rarely loses momentum, the prose occasionally leans on heavy metaphors, and the dialogue would benefit from a sharper edit. Some grammatical inconsistencies and language choices also affect readability in places—but these are mechanical flaws in an otherwise gripping work of moral suspense.
Smith’s latest work remains a thrilling, morally complex, and action-packed novel—part crime thriller, part ecological call to arms. With its emotional urgency and unflinching look at human greed, Rhino will captivate readers who crave adventure with meaning. Beneath the grit and violence lies a deeply empathetic plea: to protect what remains before it’s too late. Smith’s enduring reverence for rhinos resonates long after the last page, awakening in readers a sincere and empathetic awareness of the fragile beauty we risk losing forever.
—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW
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.