Sometimes with these early readers I wonder if the publishers have given any thought to who their readers are. Unusual words and complex sentences. Confusing or downright unattractive illustrations. Weird or ambiguous messages. And I don't mean intentionally subversive books like Daniel Pinkwater's "Larry the Polar Bear" books, I mean books that just seem to be a bit clueless.
Well, the Edwards books, and especially "New At The Zoo", do not suffer from this weakness. Well written, with a straightforward theme and a simply told story, the book is both fun and interesting for a new reader. Illustrations sustain interest and serve the text well. So, worth considering for your new reader.