As you all know by now, I love a really good picture book. In truth, my shelves are full of them. And “wordless” or “silent” picture books hold a special place in my heart. To spend hours pouring over a story told in pictures is one of my greatest delights. Reading them again and again allows you to find new ideas each time, so that you put something of yourself into the story; something you would have never conceived of before.
Aaron Becker is unquestionably a master of creating these beauties. His previous titles, Journey, Quest and Return are simply magnificent. They take us along an imaginative, heartfelt trail, only to bring us home again greatly enriched by our trip. He has given us a new journey now; one that may feel rather familiar…but shown to us in a new way.
THE LAST ZOOKEEPER
author/illustrator: Aaron Becker
Walker Books (4 April 2024)
ISBN: 9781929517873
This book isn’t entirely wordless. It begins with a quote from Jane Goodall, which gives us something to ponder as we embark on our journey.
“Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, will we help.
Only if we help, shall we all be saved.”
And then, we find ourselves in a flooded world. NOA the robot is alone, without companionship or direction. Then, he finds himself with a new purpose; to mind and care for the animals left in an abandoned zoo. But the waters still seem to be rising, and food and shelter are difficult to come by. NOA must take the animals elsewhere…perhaps they will find land and hope awaiting them.
I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that this is a Noahs’ Ark retelling. But told in a way that makes it incredibly pertinent and poignant for the times we live in. Clearly, it is situated in a possible future. The colour tones create an impression of the catastrophe that has befallen. The waters have risen and there is no sign of human life to be found. What is left are the animals, abandoned to their fate by accident or design (we just don’t know.) And NOA; a robot. NOA does not blindly follow some input direction to care for the animals. NOA has to think…to seek out…to find an answer that will allow them to continue. Without language to explain what is happening or what is being experienced, we sense NOAs’ mood by reading body language. This is very effective in helping us along in the story. By posture and colour tone, we can read his, dare I say, feelings; his pensiveness, thoughtfulness, frustration and resolution. The care and concern for is animal charges is palpable. Each panel is filled with incredible detail. time and again, you will notice something different; something new. The beat of the waves; the peppering of too-small islands as they make their way across the waters; the patterns in the stars; the shifting of the clouds; the little surprises along the journey. The subtle changes in the colour palette reflect the time that passes and throughout, there is a building sense of endurance and hope. It is all just beautiful, evocative and filled with wonder. And of course, there is resolution…one that fills us with a sense of wonder, responsibility, relief and a quiet, satisfied joy.
The Last Zookeeper is a picture book for all generations. It is one you simply must have…and revisit many times. Especially in these times. There is hope. But we have to care and help.
Thank you to my wonderful friend, MaryBrigid for gifting me with this wonder. Please, please look for it. https://www.walker.co.uk/The-Last-Zookeeper-9781529517873.aspx
FallenStar Stories 
I bet it is a beautiful book, you have to use your instincts to follow the message. Kind of how I feel about non verbal children or anyone with a speech problem. It’s difficult for them to speak and communicate at all. That is when the verbal ones have to be able to communicate with them through their body language. Or just the hunches we feel as we watch their reactions to things. Like what vets do when treating animals. It’s almost like you have to have telepathy to reach some.
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