TELEBOOK ZOOLOGY ORAN SMARTS GOING FOR IT ALL

About the Book

When bespectacled African American boy Oran Smarts grabs his zoology book and ventures out of his neighborhood to the zoo, zookeeper Mr. Kopicnic recognizes a kindred spirit and makes young Oran his trusted helper. As they check on the animals, Oran and Mr. Kopicnic discover someone has broken in and stolen Arnie the African Elephant. With the help of Oran’s book and “JJ” Mr. Kopicnic follow the clues to find Arnie and rescue him from the evil poacher Domonous Crumby.

About the Author

Chester Williams is a native of Oakland California, he now resides in Berkeley. He has a BA from San Francisco State University. His Oran Smarts project was the outcome of his love of the local zoos (Oakland and San Francisco) and he was inspired by attendance at Long Beach State University summer school class taught by the legendary Hana Barbera Productions which culminated in him bringing the high points of this enriching experience to children and to what has become professional form base readers.