*The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker

The world is in ruins. Stately architecture is crumbling with foliage emerging from crevices and the only sign of life is animals surviving on islands of dirt who are being cared for by a giant turbine-powered robot. Where will they find hope?

*The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker. Candlewick Press, 2024. 40 pages.

• Reading Level: Picture books, ages 8-10
• Recommended For: Ages 8-10

The world is in ruins. Stately architecture is crumbling with foliage emerging from crevices and the only sign of life is animals surviving on islands of dirt who are being cared for by a giant turbine-powered robot. Flags at the top of battered circus tents wave above the flood waters while NÖA, the robot, provides foliage, bamboo, and fish for the dependent creatures. At the end of the day it returns to its desk on the covered dock, sits down to write a letter, then sends it away in a sailboat and sits down to wait. 

The storm overnight raises the floodwaters to such a level that the animals barely have a safe place to stand. What can NÖA do to care for them? How will they escape, and where can they go?

*indicates a Redeemed Reader starred review, an outstanding example in its field.

Bottom Line: This lovely wordless story is comparable to the biblical narrative of Noah (complete with a rainbow) and also ties to the Pixar movie WALL-E. As in Becker’s other books, every detail is worthy of attention, and there is real emotion in the hues and body language. Highly recommended.

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Resource: Some Words About Wordless Books
• Book Review: Journey by Aaron Becker
• Book Review: The Prince of Yorsha Doon by Andrew Peterson, another good picture book for older kids

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