When Maria and Mateo visit the zoo for the first time, they embark on a mission to rescue the animals from captivity and learn about the purpose of zoos. Lions and tigers and bears-oh my! During a school trip to the zoo, Maria and Mateo get to see all sorts of interesting animals. But their enjoyment quickly turns to concern. Why are all the animals in enclosed spaces? Wouldn't they rather be free? It seems like it's up to the cousins to rescue the animals! Cousins Maria and Mateo are two curious second graders who love experiencing new things, and their school's field trips are the perfect opportunities to do just that. Join these high-spirited cousins as they learn more about themselves and the world around them through field trips to a zoo, a natural history museum, an orchestra, and a flower farm. AGES: 6 to 9 AUTHOR: Hannah Carmona is the best-selling picture book author of Anita and the Dragons, Dazzling Travis, and Beautiful, Wonderful, Strong Little Me!, as well as the author of the series Maria and Mateo Take the Stage. She started out as a stage actor, with a BA in theater from Western Kentucky University, and went on to direct children's theater for many years after. Now, when Hannah is not writing, she narrates audiobooks and spends time studying herbal medicine. Hannah lives in Tennessee with her two daughters and dog who thinks he's a cat. Adriana Predoi grew up in Romania, where she studied mural art in high school and later earned a BA in Fine Arts. She now focuses on children's illustration and works from her home studio in London. Her style is whimsical and features a touch of magic. She gets inspiration from plants, nature, and best of all, books! In her free time, she loves reading fiction, writing stories for children, and making a total mess in the kitchen. SELLING POINTS: . Think About It open-ended discussion questions . a glossary of Spanish terms . further information on the book's topic . full-color illustrations
