Snow Leopards

Simi and Siri, playful, mischievous snow leopard cubs, are growing up fast. While out looking for food, they are separated by an avalanche. Simi is trapped by the snow, and Siri can't rest until she finds her brother again. What happens is a heartwarming story of perseverance that is a testament to the link between these two cubs. Illustrated by the award-winning Ivan Gantschev, there is also a short afterword with more information on these endangered animals.

Fiction and fact mix in this gorgeously illustrated pb that presents the life of two young snow leopards.

Children's Literature

Simi and Siri, two young snow leopards, learn to survive in a harsh mountainous region in Asia. Simi, the male cub, is born smaller than his sister but is able to gain strength from his mother. She nurses him and teaches both cubs how to survive in one of the world's most unforgiving regions. The cubs learn to hunt wild game and survive in a cave during a blizzard. While hunting, danger strikes in the form of an avalanche and separates Simi from his mother and sister. He is buried and must dig himself out to survive. Not being able to tell if he is up or down, Simi scrambles to the surface and can finally breathe. Freed from the avalanche, Simi searches desperately for his mother and sister. This is an extremely exciting story infused with much factual information about the little-known snow leopard. Engaging watercolor illustrations complement the harsh beauty of the snow leopard's habitat. An informational page at the end of the book provides readers many interesting facts about snow leopards. This is a picture book for all elementary aged students and would make a good read-aloud for story hour. It would also be useful for art teachers demonstrating watercolor technique and in collaborative classroom projects. Reviewer: Nancy Baumann

Ivan Gantschev was born in Bulgaria in 1925. After surviving World War II, he worked as an artist. In 1966, he emigrated to Germany, where he lives today. His prize-winning works have been shown in galleries all over the world. Several of his books have been published by North-South Books. He says he illustrates picture books because he wants to show children that it's possible to solve problems peacefully—and besides, it's a lot of fun!