Books like The Secret Zoo

I lead a book club with my son's class each year. He is in 4th grade. Our group read The Secret Zoo this winter. All 7 kids loved it! I assigned pages each week and they complained every week about having to wait to read on. They stopped me in the halls to discuss what they thought was going to happen next. They story is unique and very well told. While some parents may be put off by the "missing child" in the beginning of the story, we must remember that adult imagination is far more dark than a child's imagination when it comes to that topic - it never occurred to my group that she wouldn't be found, safe and sound. They were more excited about how she would be found. The vivid descriptions get the kids started in the right direction, but then let imagination take over. The 4 heroes of book have traits with which every kid can identify. The characters bring a lot of humor to the books, especially Ella and Richie. My son was laughing out loud at times. The resolution is intense, but the humor and quick pace keeps it from getting too frightening. The concept of the story really intrigued my group. I know when I took my son to the zoo a couple weeks after reading it, he found all sorts of potentials "secret zoo" entrances.So, I have 7 kids anxiously awaiting the start of book club next year so they can find out what the Adventure Scouts are up to next. They've passed the book on to friends so my book club may be a little larger next year! Kids excited about reading - isn't that every parents dream?!FYI - I also read The Secret Zoo aloud to my 1st grader and she loved it, too!