Picture Book Review: Calm Down, Zebra by Lou Kuenzler

Image: Faber and Faber

Calm Down, Zebra by Lou Kuenzler. Illustrated by Julia Woolf. unpgd. Faber and Faber, April 21, 2020. 9780571351701. Review of finished copy courtesy of publicist.)

Dutiful big sister, Annie decides to teach baby Joe his colors. She gathers some animal friends and paints their portraits using proper colors, Frog is green and Lion is sunshine yellow; but she becomes a bit stumped when she tries to paint Polar Bear. That's when Zebra steps in and livens things up by giving Polar Bear pink stripes. Zebra doesn't stop there, though. Soon the sheep and llamas are covered in stripes and Annie is about to lose it. Too late, the other animals join the fun by painting polka dots and spots and Joe is just tickled. 

This punchy story in rhyme flows easily off the tongue and will be a hoot to read at story time or bedtime. It's sure to prompt giggles and requests to read it again. Exuberant, energetic illustrations add to the humor in this humorous and joyous celebration of thinking outside the paintbox. 

Calm Down, Zebra is a fine addition to any library collection!