Fantazou is a zoo, full of animals from different regions of the world. Margie, the elephant mother, reminisces about her "free" life and teaches her baby elephant, who was born in captivity, what life is like on the African savannah! Their group includes Gur the lion with his cubs, dolphins, little monkeys, a polar bear, and a Komodo dragon... For all of them, Fantazou feels like a prison... But the little monkeys come up with a plan to free all the animals... Will they succeed?

Personally, I do not like zoos at all and I avoid them... I feel melancholic seeing so many beautiful animals living trapped in small cages, far from their homeland. Some, like lions or tigers, have given in to their fate and just lie around all day... Not to mention others that pace nervously in circles, clearly mentally ill!

When I read "Fantazou" I was shocked! Finally, a children's book that tells the truth about the lives of captive animals, in a simple and understandable way for both young and old to comprehend.

Through the animals' stories, we learn about their habits and lives in their natural habitat, in contrast to the way they live in zoos.

Most importantly, young children learn that animals are not lifeless exhibits, but innocent creatures that are captive and condemned to a life they did not choose and that does not suit them.

The amazing illustrations follow the equally amazing text... Even though it is quite long, I did not want to put it down... Neither did my children...

At the beginning of the book, there is a very beautiful text about the ban on circuses with animals and the closing of the last human zoo! And something that reminded me of my own childhood... The ban on the Bear Trainer! A bear dancing to the rhythm of its master hitting the tambourine and us throwing money... I just shudder at this childhood memory...

At the end of the book, there are alternative suggestions for activities with children, instead of visiting a zoo.

We have also read another book by Katrina Tsantali, "Sofaki and Do," which teaches young and old respect, love, and care for all animals.

But Fantazou is simply amazing! It helps children learn about the real living conditions of animals in zoos and elevates these concepts...

Also, every time I read "Fantazou" I make another connection... The little elephant from Fantazou could be "The Chained Elephant" by Jorge Bucay... Born in captivity, feeling powerless to escape, and simply resigned to its fate.

I do not consider myself an activist, but I love people, animals, and nature so much. This book helps me pass on my values, sensitivities, and thoughts to my children, hoping they will build a better world!

Imagine if all zoos closed and captive animals were released into their natural environment!

You never know... People have started to think differently... Since there are no more animals in circuses, I believe zoos will soon close too...

Maybe one day this will happen too... In any case, I will continue not to visit zoos with my children... I prefer animal shelters and farms with domestic animals that live with enough freedom and dignity. Also, we watch documentaries about wild animals and thus learn everything about their lives.
"Fantazou" is dedicated to Bazou, the chimpanzee who was "neutralized" at the Attica Zoological Park, in his attempt to find his freedom!
From this book, I will keep two phrases: "Life at Fantazou had nothing to do with life in Africa" and "Animals belong in nature! Not in cages."