Eye on the Wild: Gorilla

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2—Captivating full-color photographs and simple, gentle texts make these books ideal for young audiences. In the first title, a mother cheetah and her cubs are observed from the babies' first blind and helpless days until, at age two, they can safely leave the nest on their own and start their adult lives. In the meantime, the youngsters play, learn to hunt, and are protected by their attentive and patient mother. Gorilla follows a similar format, showing the first days and years of a baby mountain gorilla and the meticulous care given to her by her mother and extended family. For six years, until she is grown and ready to begin her own family, the little gorilla is the center of her mother's attention and the loving affection they share is captured by the sensitive author and photographer. Both books are useful both as a classroom read-alouds and as introductions to the animal kingdom to be browsed and enjoyed.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Kirkus Reviews

Phenomenal photography, some solid facts and the ever-popular topic of baby animals combine to make the kick-off of Eszterhas' Eye on the Wild series an auspicious one. The text follows a newborn gorilla from birth to age 6, the age of maturity, although the majority focuses on her first two years of life. From nestling in her mother's arms and napping to sucking her thumb and drinking her mother's milk, the activities of the baby gorilla are sure to bring to readers' minds the care of a newborn human. Eszterhas strengthens this connection by slightly anthropomorphizing the actions, feelings and intentions of her subjects: "Sitting on Mom's head gives her a great view and is good fun, too…. One of the baby gorilla's favorite games is piggyback riding, cruising around on Mom's back." Short paragraphs and easy vocabulary make this accessible to children in the early grades, while the photos will enthrall all audiences. Known for her work with newborn animals, wildlife photographer Eszterhas makes good on her reputation. Readers are treated to amazing views of the baby gorilla, her family and her natural habitat. Backmatter offers children more facts about gorillas, along with a website for more information. Publishing concurrently is Cheetah, while Brown Bear and Lion will follow in August. A solid start to a new series. (Nonfiction. 4-8)