• Age: 5 to 8
• Grade: k to 4

This is a story about a little boy who lives above a convenience store with his mom. When he goes to spend his pocket money on candy—only when Mom’s not looking—he gives the knot on the clothesline by the outdoor stairs a good yank (it makes the best sound). One day, he tugs a little too hard, and takes the stairs a little too fast, and—whiiiiiz!—gets stuck hanging smack in the middle of the clothesline.

He cries for help, but Mom doesn’t hear. He waits for someone to save him, but only a black cat slinks by. His arm gets tired—but if he hangs on with both hands, he’ll risk dropping his coins! It’s a true dilemma. Finally, he cries out so loudly that he tumbles to the ground. He still spends his pocket money on candy. But he NEVER touches the clothesline again.

Told in sequential illustrations with simple text and vibrant sound effects, this is a suspenseful narrative offering an accessible entry point to early graphic novels and a lighthearted, laugh-out-loud reminder of the consequences of our choices.

ORBIE is a children’s book illustrator, graphic novel creator, and illustrator for newspapers, posters, and marketing materials who lives Cap d'Espoir, Quebec. She is known for her art surrounding themes of birth and motherhood. Sloth at the Zoom will be Orbie’s first English language picture book.

Orbie's profile page

KAREN LI lives and works in Toronto, Ontario.

Karen Li's profile page

• Commended, A Junior Library Guild Selection

"Satisfying and absolutely worthy of visiting again, and then again!"

Sal's Fiction Addiction

"A fun addition to the picture book collection of school and public libraries."

Canadian Review of Materials

"There's some fun here, and readers will recognize that "hanging around" has taken on a new, unexpected meaning."

Kirkus Reviews

"A fun, inventive, and suspenseful story that captures childhood in a classic package."

Booklist

"A quick, engaging read for fans of comic style texts."

School Library Journal