Basic body shapes and mix-and-match extremities create the variety of miniature creatures in this amigurumi how-to guide for intermediate knitters. The small, handmade projects are easy to personalize, and all of the designs use the same soft worsted-weight yarn. Featured zoo animals include an elephant, a kangaroo with baby, a koala with baby, a lion, a monkey, a panda, a polar bear, and a zebra, each approximately 11 inches tall. Every animal’s wardrobe can be completed with the clothing and accessory designs that offer sweaters, scarves, hats, purses, ponchos, and more.

Michele Wilcox is a crafter and a pattern designer. She is the author of Amigurumi: Animal Friends, Animal Friends Two by Two, and Diaper Covers & Caps. She lives in North Easton, Massachusetts.