Young Lions

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Three lions ``set out on their first hunt alone'' in this vividly illustrated intro duction to African nature. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4-- Three restless lion cubs venture out one late afternoon on their first hunt. Although they catch nothing, they have begun the learning process to become successful predators. The animals upon which the cubs would prey watch their every move, but the rhinoceros, the water buffaloes , and the porcupine do not run away. The wary zebras stare for a while and then run off through the trees. Yoshida uses colored pencils to portray blurred bursts of speed as cheetahs pursue impalas and gnus flee the lions' scent. A stunningly purple Mt. Kilimanjaro is a backdrop for herds of water buffalo, elephants, giraffes , and antelopes, and the darkening jungle highlights the burning eyes of a leopard glaring down from his tree-top perch at the three cubs. Yoshida captures the essence of each creature, from the stolid rhinoceros and snarling hyenas to the relieved cubs as they return to the security of mother lion. A beautiful, powerful introduction to animal life on the African plain. --Frances E. Millhouser, Prince William Library System, Va. Grades 3-6