Designed especially for presentation by junior high or elementary school actors, this 1-act play offers an important message about the dangers of pollution. Basically a comedy, the play has many touching moments designed to encourage young audiences to take care of our world.

The story: Dr. Hoo (an owl) is in charge of an emergency clinic for animals; but he and his nurse, Miss Nanny (a goat) can hardly take care of all the animals who come to them: A blue jay who was blinded by smog and flew into a building; a fish who is ill from the polluted water in which he has to live; a hen whose baby chick ate a worm poisoned by insecticide; a leopard who is burned in a forest fire set by a careless camper and an alligator who is afraid he will become a pair of shoes.

Ideal for assembly programs, PTA or civic club meetings, and touring by high school or older group to junior high and elementary schools. It can be an all-girl or all-boy play, or any mixture of boys and girls. Animal costumes and make-up may be used, or each animal may be suggested by some characteristic feature, like ears. Set in a doctor's reception room; very, very easy to stage. A Director's Script (prompt book) is availaable from the publisher. It contains drawings of costumes and set, details on all technical aspects of staging, discussion of characterization, plot, and theme. It also suggests the complete blocking and full stage directions for all movement and business.

Easily performed by children in grades 1-6. "This was the first time that we attempted a public performance at our school. It was such a success that we have been asked to do another show in the Spring! DR. HOO gave the students a sense of accomplishment and greatly increased parent involvement with the school."—Hancock Central Elementary School, Sneedville, Tenn.

Another by Marrapodi: The Clock That Went Meow

For the very, very young: Aubrey the Snowflake, Down in the Dumps, Rock Bottom

See also: Plays with Animal Characters, Environmental Plays