School Library Journal
Gr 1-4-This clear, readable text explains where the giant panda may be found, its physical characteristics, habits, life cycle, and present status in the wild and in zoos. A final fact page includes dates and statistics, and mentions the two pandas on loan from China at the Washington, DC, zoo. Gibbons's art, with sketchy lines and transparent watercolor backgrounds, rather than the bolder and brighter cartoon style she often uses, amplifies the information about this "gentle giant." A solid choice.-Sally Bates Goodroe, formerly at Harris County Public Library, Houston, TX Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
A rather lackluster primer on the big black-and-white mammal from one of the deans of picture book nonfiction. The basic facts—range, diet, reproduction, behavior, anatomy, conservation efforts—are dutifully presented in a straightforward manner but with little attention to smooth transitions or to flow. One double-page spread features on the left a picture of a giant panda rubbing its posterior against a tree to leave scent, while the facing page abruptly introduces the diet; turn the page again for more information on bamboo. The charming pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are signature Gibbons (Halloween Is, p. 1129, etc.), but they suffer from a certain monotony of palette, as she depicts the black-and-white creatures over and over again against pale blue sky or water and pale green bamboo. Also signature Gibbons is the descent into breathless assertion at the end: "Whenever there are giant pandas in a zoo, people love to come to see them. They look like big, chubby, black-and-white teddy bears that are very playful. It is so much fun to watch them." Such a conclusion robs the preceding text of any dignity and mercilessly patronizes its audience. A final page provides additional facts about pandas, but there is no list of recommended further reading or indication of any sources. A barely acceptable offering from an author-illustrator who is capable of much better work. (Picture book/nonfiction. 4-7)
