Mr Zip and the Capital Z Review

Mr. Zip and The Capital Z

by Kimberly Bryant-Palmer

Illustrated by Jerry Palmer

Though I am an adult, I am a fan of young adult fiction in addition to my regular reading.  I like to keep up with what kids are reading so that when my children are older I am in the habit and aware.  Mr. Zip and The Capital Z caught my attention for the curiosity it piqued when I read the description.  Any book I can find that is fiction but based in truth is a plus.

The central character of the book, Peanut, stumbles across Mr. Zip and his shop The Capital Z one day, and he suddenly finds himself learning all kids of things about himself and his history by discovering artifacts in the shop.  Various people from Peanut's life pop in and out of the story as he remains in the shop, some learning along with him as Mr. Zip spins tales that feel like reality.

I found myself learning plenty of things as I read this book.  A quick read for an adult, there was still plenty within the pages to expand my mind.  Each historical idea is referenced within the book for further learning.  The intermittent illustrations help add a visual to the story, while not adding so much as to take away from what my own mind constructed in pictures.

I found the extra characters visiting the shop a little distracting and off point, but otherwise really enjoyed the book and the history lessons it  brought with the entertainment.  I will be tucking this book away for future reading when my children get older, as the history lessons inside alone are worth the investment of this book

You can learn more about this book by visiting www.MrZipBooks.com.  You can also find a copy for yourself here.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.