Publishers Weekly Review
Anderson, a zoologist and filmmaker, frames a captivating and effective introduction to snow leopards as an adventurer's firsthand observations of the elusive animal in its Himalayan habitat. Benson's detailed, precise watercolors--stone-hued, like their subject and its habitat and prey--are complemented by well-chosen words: "Her coat is pale gold and silver-grey, with black rosettes... the rosettes look like the shadows under stones and boulders... allowing her to disappear into the landscape." Captions, set in a different typeface and placed lower on the page, offer additional facts: "Snow leopards can wander over an area of up to almost 400 square miles." Further information about the rare animal, the threats it faces, and ways to help are presented alongside an index at the book's close. Ages 5--8. (Oct.) |
School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Author and zoologist Anderson tracks a snow leopard family in Ladakh, Kashmir. Considering that conservationists have deemed the animal vulnerable, it's extraordinary that the author found both a mother and her cub. The expedition was more complicated than revealed here, as the illustrator shows only one guide when in fact there were several and Anderson also led a team of Planet Earth photographers. Benson's soft watercolors and Anderson's clear prose reveal the "Ghosts of the Mountains," named because of their elusiveness. The chronicle of the trek is interspersed with facts on snow leopard habitat, behavior, physical features, and diet. However, the font makes reading this information difficult. VERDICT This quick introduction covers the challenges the snow leopard faces and its conservation status.--Nancy Call, formerly at Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA |