Chick’s characters and animals spring to life with beautiful imagery, and leave readers anxiously awaiting the sequel. In vividly described encounters with these special animals, the Scouts uncover additional clues to Megan’s disappearance. With a humorous twist, Chick cleverly names the Secret Zoo animals, giving prairie dogs names such as Hot Dog, Chili Dog, and Dog Tag. Inspired by his own childhood zoo experiences, the author masterfully transforms simple animals into magical creatures, made both lovable and threatening by their “humanness.” Chick’s creatively crafted zoo animals communicate mysteriously, with both characters and readers alike. In his first novel, newcomer Bryan Chick introduces young readers to the first of seven Adventure Scouts, and easily bridges the gap from mystery to fantasy. But their rescue mission is nearly thwarted by the ancient sasquatch community inhabiting the Dark Lands outside the City of Species! On a rollercoaster of adventures, the Scouts are led into the fantasy world of the City of Species where they encounter animals with mysterious talents and spectacular abilities, as well as community of humans who live in harmony with these amazing creatures. His only clues are a story Megan told before her disappearance and a tattered page of her journal left on Noah’s pillow by a strange blue bird.įollowing close behind in this adventure are Noah’s best friends, Ella and Richie together they call themselves the Adventure Scouts. When nine-year-old Megan mysteriously disappears, her older brother, Noah, sets out on a rescue mission.

The secret zoo books in order