With adorable illustrations and a clever name game, The Ella Zoo appears to be a children’s book and it is, but so much more! It is an endearing ode to family that engages children while also touching the hearts of adults. Suitable for readers of any age, whether 5 or 75, The Ella Zoo presents poetry to be shared with those you love. Recipient of 3 awards including Best Gift/Specialty Book by both the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and Independent Publishers of New England, judges recognized that “this is one of those books children will keep and pull out as adults re-reading with new appreciation when they are older.” Recognized by the 2015 Independent Publishers of New England Book Awards with a top award in the Specialty Book Category. "This is one of those books that children will keep and pull out as adults, re-reading with new appreciation when they are older..." "Choosing a black and white motif with a hint of red makes this book stand out. [It] reminds me a little of Shel Silverstein." "The Pellegrine"... made me chuckle. ... I enjoyed the collection in its entirety, along with the delightful illustrations." "This is a warm and personal book, sure to be cherished by friends and fans alike. Nice work!" - Judges of the 23rd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards When writing The Ella Zoo , I enjoyed exploring different poetic forms. I began with a haiku for Caterpella . There are two sonnets. Armadella is a Shakespearean sonnet, the first line of which is Shakespeare's and Ellagator is a Spenserian sonnet. In Gazella, I echoed a poem by Robert Burns, John Anderson, My Jo, itself inspired by a popular song of his day. Snaella is a slightly modified rondeau. For the rest, I've employed couplets, triplets, a few odd rhyme schemes of my own invention and plenty of free verse, too. Together, the whole collection is something of a grand ode celebrating the wonder of all growing children, but especially an animal-adoring, sweet girl named, Ella.    -- Elizabeth If you've ever said, "We live in a zoo!" then this award-winning book is for you and your wild little animals. With a clever name game and adorable illustrations, The Ella Zoo gives every impression it is a children's book -- and it is, but so much more! Track a whole zoo of engaging animals such as Koella Bear, Ellagator, Nightingella and Ellaphant as Ella grows from infant into young woman to arrive at the central theme of this endearing collection of poetry -- nothing less than the greatest love story of all time -- a parent's love for their child. Suitable for readers of any age, whether 5 or 75, The Ella Zoo presents poetry to be savored and shared with those you love.