The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise

The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart
Adult New Book Display Main Level - STUART

Balthazar Jones works at the Tower of London. He also lives there with this wife, Hebe, and their very old tortoise, Mrs. Cook. One day, Balthazar is informed that all the various animals given to the Queen over the years will be moved to the Tower grounds and Balthazar will be in charge of taking care of them. Hebe works at the London Underground Lost Property Office. Anything that is found on the subway is brought to Hebe. The jobs of the two main characters create all kinds of funny situations. All the interesting supporting characters and their interactions with one another add to the humor as well. However, the story also has some serious aspects to it, mainly concerning Balthazar and Hebe mourning the death of their young son a few years ago and its effect on their marriage. Overall, this is a very charming and touching book.