First Woman Zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo: The Cubs in the Tub

Fred and Helen Martini wished for a baby, but ended up caring for numerous lion and tiger cubs instead! Experience the heartwarming story of the first female zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo with this delightful read-aloud.

When Bronx Zoo-keeper Fred brought home a lion cub, Helen Martini immediately took it in. The cub's mother had lost her maternal instincts, so Fred suggested that Helen care for the cub as if it were a human baby. And that's exactly what she did. She named him MacArthur, fed him with a bottle, and even put him to sleep in a crib.

Before long, MacArthur was not the only cub being bathed in the tub! The Martinis continued to raise lion and tiger cubs as their own until the cubs were old enough to be returned to zoos. Helen went on to become the first female zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo, in charge of the nursery.

This captivating non-fiction book is perfect for reading aloud, especially when snuggling up with your own cubs! Filled with adorable baby cats, this story is about love, dedication, and forming a new kind of family.

Julie Downing's stunning illustrations showcase the cozy in-home nursery, and the warm color palette complements Candace Fleming's beautiful storytelling.

The book also includes additional material such as a brief biography of Helen Martini and a selected bibliography.

Selected by the Junior Library Guild, and named one of the Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year, this book has also been included in the Texas Topaz Reading List.

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