When Will accidentally creates a mysterious portal during a trip to the zoo, he's transported into the world of the Night Zoo, and thrust into an incredible adventure.

Joined by his friends, Sam and Riya, Will journeys to Fire Desert, where rumours of a creature called 'the Grip' have struck fear into the hearts of the animals. Even Captain Claw, a fierce lioness, seems to be acting strangely on hearing the news. The animals look to Will to save them, but does he have the strength to overcome his fears, and become the hero that the Night Zoo needs?

"This is a delightfully original and amusing story, with characters who feel contemporary in a classic adventure setting. It also has a very relevant message about the importance of imagination. Readers aged as young as six are likely to enjoy having this read to them, and older children will enjoy reading it independently."

The Book Trust

Reviews

Cynthia aged 8

This has been an excellent read. A book filled with adventure and excitement at times a bit of a thriller. I have really enjoyed reading this to my mum and both enjoyed the story.

Tommy-Jo aged 7 & Bou aged 5

We loved this story. It's even bigger better and more exciting than the first book. We love Sam the giraffe. He is a brilliant character. We loved the illustrations throughout the book making the story come to life even more. Now they have been in the woods and the desert, and I can't wait to find out how different the Voids, the robotic creatures that the Night Zookeeper must defeat, will be in the ice in the next story.

KathH aged 8

It is a lovely book. It is really magical. It is just right for my reading. Will goes to the Fire Desert on an exciting adventure. I liked this book.

Lisa Anne aged 6

I really liked the Captain Claw lioness and Sam the giraffe characters in the book. The book was good and I kept wanting to know what would happen next.

Bweemz read it aged 11

I really enjoyed this story! It was quite a quick read for me as I think it is aimed for a bit younger readers than me but I still liked the book especially the adventure aspect and it is very imaginative. The idea of a night zoo where animals can roam free is great and in the story, the two children help the animals against the Voids (the mechanical spiders). A great read and I would like to read more!

Ad575 aged 11

Just loved this book, great characters and fantastic story. I have to read the other books in the series

PHanke aged 5

A fantastically fun story with brilliant illustrations throughout! Reading them in order doesn't matter too much as each story seems to be unique and wonderfully explained so you feel like you have jumped right into the magical world! There are some mildly scary moments, but nothing that worried or upset my daughter so I think she is the perfect age for it! The covers are bright and eye-catching and my daughter likes to have it on display on her shelf!

FreyasBooks aged 8

What a great series, my daughter is really enjoying it and is looking forward to reading more of the books. I think we may have read them out of order by reading the second one first but that's ok, it did not seem confusing for my 8-year-old to get to know the characters. Night Zookeeper- The Lioness of Fire Desert is exciting, full of fun and adventure, and very hard to put down when you want to know what happens next!

KyranWu aged 10

Amazing!! I liked the end bit where Will, Riya, Sam and Captain Claw defeat ''the Grip'' (that is actually a giant Void, a robotic spider).

Jon21 aged 8 & Lei18 aged 6

Our book review for The Lioness Of Fire Desert: The Lioness Of Fire Desert is actually a great book! It is all about Will, Riya and Sam. They are going to save the Night Zoo from The Lord Nulth. When they come to save The Fire Desert they meet a fierce captain (Captain Claw) and a whole town who is in fear of one thing. THE GRIP. It takes unfortunate animals to who knows where, and locks them up. Can Will, Riya and Sam save The Fire Desert from THE GRIP?

Darth aged 9

My son really enjoyed reading this book this week. The second book in the series, the book follows the night zookeeper and his friends on another adventure. My son read this book aloud and it was brilliant to hear him start to read very quickly as he was eager to find out what happened next in the story. It's full of adventure and keeps the reader riveted. It's written very well and we were able to use it to help provide good examples in relation to literacy homework. He is already eager to read the next one.

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