In Asch's latest, zoos are the new libraries, and kids and adults alike come to check out animals from cheery Miss Perkins. The last person in line is a new girl named Molly, but before she can make her selection, the news comes that Pancake the tiger is gone! Miss Perkins isn't one to panic, so she and Molly calmly follow the tiger's paw prints through the zoo, before hopping on Miss Perkins' scooter to track him through the city and parks. Eventually, the paw prints lead them right back to where they started, and all ends well. Pancake has returned home, and Molly gets to check out the animal she wanted all along: a tiger. The offbeat digital illustrations, rendered in soft pastels, depict a cornucopia of zoo animals and a multiracial group of patrons waiting to check them out. Young readers will enjoy following Pancake's paw prints across the pages as Miss Perkins tracks him down, and the concept of a lending zoo is sure to tickle the fancy of many.

PreS-K Instead of a book, check out an animal. Miss Perkins, the Zoobrarian, will help you find the right one. The available creatures are not necessarily small or domesticated. Among the choices are an elephant and a bear. The concept of borrowing wild animals is intriguing, but the story itself is rather tame. Pancake the tiger is missing. Miss Perkins and Molly, a young would-be patron, follow a trail of wet footprints that leads them all over town. The mystery of the animal's disappearance is solved when Pancake simply returns to the Lending Zoo; apparently he wanted nothing more than some fresh air and exercise. Flat, opaque pastel-colored illustrations are appealing and suit the cheerful fantasy setting. VERDICT Older children may want more action, but preschoolers will enjoy a visit to this unusual zoo. Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA