Additional information
by Christopher J. Ouellette (Illustrator), Eowyn J. Ouellette (Author), Christopher J. Ouellette (Author)
Skunk Zoo is a fun book told in rhyme with bright cut paper illustrations and cut paper text. It is a family's trip to the imaginary Skunk Zoo where they see amazing skunks that not only look cute (and smell) but play instruments, dance ballet and more. We live in a wonderful part of rural New Hampshire. Last year, when Eowyn was 3, we went for a walk. Eowyn was next to me and her little sister was in her Mei Tai on my back. I told Eowyn that we should go to a zoo some day to see the animals. Eowyn said "I want to go to the Skunk Zoo". Starting with "What's that", and being shamed by the answer, "A zoo with skunks", I asked her questions all the way home. While her sister napped and Eowyn enjoyed her daily quiet time, I wrote up the first draft of this book, based on the answers to all my questions. Later, I read it to her and fixed the parts where she saw literary weakness. As the book continued to develop, Eowyn continued to explain how it could be better. "No Daddy, it's not supposed to be a rock band". "It's been a rock band for months now, and the pictures are almost done". "Daddy, it's supposed to be a Skunk Ballerina." "Could I just add a Skunk Ballerina?" Every one of her creative improvements was incorporated, and all art was approved by her.
