Jaguars (First Reports)

Children's Literature

Part of the "First Reports" series, Jaguars is subdivided according to standard elementary school report format. After a fictionalized view of a jaguar capturing a turtle, the chapter headings include such topics as "What Do Jaguars Look Like?" "Where Do Jaguars Live?" What Do Jaguars Eat?" and "A Jaguar Family." Although this is not an in-depth book about the world and habits of jaguars, it is a functional introduction, including details such as the shape of the jaw, average weights and heights of male and female jaguars, ecosystems and geographical areas inhabited by jaguars, and care of jaguar cubs. The author includes information on legends about jaguars and chapters explaining why the jaguar is endangered and how one might save this animal. Well-placed photographs add visual interest to the text. A glossary, "Did You Know" page covering intriguing facts about jaguars, "At a Glance" section giving basic statistics about jaguars, index and bibliography of print and on-line sources (all well-chosen) are included. This is a welcome addition to both school and public library collections. 2001, Compass Point, $21.26. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer:Cherri Jones