Lucy, Zach’s mum, said he first started drawing at the age of four and has grown up surrounded by animals since his dad runs a pet shop.
She said he “mastered drawing very quickly” and she had “always been astounded by his artistic talents.”
Zach said he had “always wanted to write a book” especially after his mum wrote one last year.
“My dad and mum have had an interest in reptiles for a long time and when I got my gecko in December last year I started researching about lizards, snakes, crocodilians and turtles.”
He added: “I love reptiles and I think people don’t like them and you’re told to be scared of snakes.
“Reptiles aren’t like that, they are beautiful animals.”