About
Annette Geiger is an author, educator, and lifelong storyteller who has been weaving poetry and tales since childhood. A world traveler, with a suitcase full of stories, Annette believes that magic can be found everywhere—from bustling cities to quiet backyards. Her experiences and love for storytelling have inspired her to write books celebrating friendship, diversity, acceptance, and problem-solving.
She is the creator of The Zoo Crew Adventure Series. The first book in the series, Play Day: Emily’s Sticky Situation, introduces readers to the lovable Zoo Crew as they navigate exciting adventures, tackle challenges, and discover creative solutions—all with a big dose of fun. Exciting new adventures are already on the horizon! Henry the Horse will gallop into readers’ hearts in the summer of 2025, followed by the third Zoo Crew adventure, City Safari, later in the year.
Through her writing, she hopes to open doors, inspire kindness, and encourage readers of all ages to take delightful detours on life’s journey.
She is the creator of The Zoo Crew Adventure Series. The first book in the series, Play Day: Emily’s Sticky Situation, introduces readers to the lovable Zoo Crew as they navigate exciting adventures, tackle challenges, and discover creative solutions—all with a big dose of fun. Exciting new adventures are already on the horizon! Henry the Horse will gallop into readers’ hearts in the summer of 2025, followed by the third Zoo Crew adventure, City Safari, later in the year.
Through her writing, she hopes to open doors, inspire kindness, and encourage readers of all ages to take delightful detours on life’s journey.
The Story Behind Play Day
I’ve been writing stories since I learned to write, and I’ve always loved dreaming up new worlds and adventures. My mom was my biggest cheerleader—no matter what I wrote, she always encouraged me to write more, and I did.
The idea for Play Day came to me over 30 years ago when my daughter was just 3 years old. We lived in the countryside, and our backyard had a big swing set with a tube slide. One afternoon, I looked outside and saw a young deer at the bottom of the slide, an idea popped into my head and in that moment, The Zoo Crew Adventures came to life; a world of friendship, play, and acceptance.
I shared PLAY DAY with my mom and sister, who loved it and urged me to publish it. But life got busy, and I tucked it away. Over the years, my mom and sister kept bringing it up, nudging me to be brave and share my story with the world.
After I wrote Play Day, I shared it with my mom and my sister. They both loved it and told me I should publish it. But I put it away, thinking I’d get to it later. Over the years, they would bring it up nudging me to be brave and share my story with the world.
When my mom turned 98, she reminded me again how much she wanted me to publish Play Day. That’s when Eleanor Loseby, my “Memory Painter,” appeared like a magic fairy. Her beautiful watercolor illustrations perfectly capture the magic in the story I created all those years ago.
On my mom’s 99th birthday, I gave her the very first copy of Play Day. Seeing her hold the book was one of the most special moments of my life. That day marked the official beginning of The Zoo Crew Adventures, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this magical world with you!
The Story Behind Play Day
I’ve been writing stories since I learned to write, and I’ve always loved dreaming up new worlds and adventures. My mom was my biggest cheerleader—no matter what I wrote, she always encouraged me to write more, and I did.
The idea for Play Day came to me over 30 years ago when my daughter was just 3 years old. We lived in the countryside, and our backyard had a big swing set with a tube slide. One afternoon, I looked outside and saw a young deer at the bottom of the slide, an idea popped into my head and in that moment, The Zoo Crew Adventures came to life; a world of friendship, play, and acceptance.
I shared PLAY DAY with my mom and sister, who loved it and urged me to publish it. But life got busy, and I tucked it away. Over the years, my mom and sister kept bringing it up, nudging me to be brave and share my story with the world
After I wrote Play Day, I shared it with my mom and my sister. They both loved it and told me I should publish it. But I put it away, thinking I’d get to it later. Over the years, they would bring it up nudging me to be brave and share my story with the world.
On my mom’s 99th birthday, I gave her the very first copy of Play Day. Seeing her hold the book was one of the most special moments of my life. That day marked the official beginning of The Zoo Crew Adventures, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this magical world with you!
When my mom turned 98, she reminded me again how much she wanted me to publish Play Day. That’s when Eleanor Loseby, my “Memory Painter,” appeared like a magic fairy. Her beautiful watercolor illustrations perfectly capture the magic in the story I created all those years ago.
10 Fun Facts About Me
- I’ve lived in 8 countries (and loved the adventure of each one)
- I'm the youngest of 6 children.
- I absolutely hate cold weather but I do love hot chocolate on a cold day!
- I’ve been teaching English as a Second Language for over 20 years.
- Cats have been part of my life since I was 4. Here are their names. Muffin, Chi-Chi, Mia, Kitten, Dish, Mort, Bark, TC, Callie, and Cooper! (The 2 cats in the book are Dish and Mort!)
- The little girl in Play Day is my daughter!
- The little girl in Play Day is my daughter!
- I wake up very early—usually around 4:30 a.m.—to start my day.
- I love writing and reading—books have always been my favorite escape.
- I can’t wait to share my next book Henry the Horse Wore Spotted Shorts with you!
WE WANT YOU TO
JOIN OUR CREW
Thanks for stopping by to learn more about me and The Zoo Crew! I’d love to hear about your favorite zoo animals, or your own “sticky situations”. You can also write to your favorite character to ask questions about their families and habitats!
P.S. Our Memory Painter has hidden The Zoo Crew Megaphone through the book. Can you find all of them?
Don’t forget to JOIN THE ZOO CREW for Crew games and updates on our next adventures.
If you would like me to come to your school to visit, tell your teachers to let me know. I’d love to meet you!
Don’t be shy, we can’t wait to hear from you.
Storyteller Annette