Lions

Describes the physical characteristics and behavior of lions, as well as some of the threats they face.

Whether lions are sprawled out under a tree to escape the sun or hunting their next meal by the light of the moon, these big cats bring us one of our favorite images of the African plains. Unfortunately, their continued existence in both Africa and Asia is threatened by the growing human population and the shrinking wilderness. Join author Kathy Darling as she shows us the unique lives of lions, the only cats who live together in family groups. Through simple, engaging text, she describes the friendly and the fierce sides of lion behavior and outlines the best hope for the survival of this majestic cat.

Science Book & Fiction

This book describes the lion, from its historical locations to family associations. Excellent photos support the text and vice versa. The history of the animal shows how humans have caused many types of lions to disappear. The potential for extinction focuses on the role of national parks to protect lions and their food. The relationship of lions to other large cats is defined. Strongly support by photos, the text describes the lion in history, how it hunts and kills, its body functions in hunting, and how the animals interact as a family. The lion's gender plays a large role in how a family functions. How the lion communicates, how it makes sounds, and for what reasons it does so are shown in photos and text. This book is designed for young students who want details, both visually and in words, about the life cycle of lions. A glossary lists specialized words, and an index is helpful. (a Carolrhoda Nature Watch Book.) Highly Recommended, Grades 5-12. REVIEWER: Anita A. Watson (Croycroft Elementary School)