First published 2005
Chef Maria arrives at Riverside Zoo with grand plans to revolutionize how the animals eat. She replaces boring kibble with gourmet meals tailored to each species. The pandas get bamboo prepared seventeen different ways. The lions receive carefully seasoned cuts that make them roar with pleasure. But the zoo director worries about costs, and the veteran zookeepers resist her changes. When the animals start behaving differently, some staff members blame Maria's fancy cooking. She must prove that her approach helps the animals thrive while winning over skeptical colleagues. The story follows Maria as she learns that caring for zoo animals requires more than culinary skill. She discovers the delicate balance between innovation and tradition in animal care.
Genres: animals, contemporary, culinary
Vibes: thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Riverside Zoo
Paperback · Vertical Connect Press