How the Zoo Saved Christmas!

Here is the story I wrote and illustrated for my wife for one of her Christmas presents this year. I think it's pretty cool, so I thought I'd share it with my readers. Her copy is hardbound in it's own book that I had printed up with Vistaprint, so the real thing is much cooler, but it's still fun to check out it out in the spirit of peace on earth, goodwill towards men, and all that jazz...

Vertically Striped Books presents:

How the Zoo Saved Christmas!
by Craig Dodge
for Jennifer Dodge

I went to the zoo to find the perfect animal way to say Merry Christmas!


The Alligators said it was important to smile!


The Rhino said that I should play a horn for you, but I’m not much of a musician.


The Giraffes said I should say, “Have a Reticulated Christmas!” I had no idea what that meant, though. I’m pretty sure the giraffes are crazy.


The Gorilla just stood there and looked at me. (I don’t think he’s in the Christmas mood.)


The Elephant said it’s not about spending money, and I should just focus on something worth peanuts. (Or perhaps she said I should give peanuts…it was hard to tell, the Elephant had a thick accent.)


The King of the Jungle said that being honest during the holidays was important, but then he confused me by saying, “I ain’t Lion!”


The Zebra said that perhaps I should buy you a nice stripedy outfit!


In the end, the sheep had the best suggestion.

She said that I should just say… “I love ewe!”
(Sheep aren’t very good at spelling, but they have good hearts!)
Merry Christmas, Baby! I love ya!