As I was (as usual) in the mood for a feel-good story about wild animals, an online search yielded some attractive results. One, in particular, looked enticing. Discovering that my trusty public library has the book in its collection, I reserved the title. When the book arrived, I began looking on the holds shelf for an adult-sized book. What was there, with my name on it, was a picture book with the same title. Since I have no aversion to reading material geared for any age group, I was happy to bring it home and check it out.
I enjoyed this picture book that’s not for little kids only so much I decided to share it with you.
Suzy Eszterhas is a well-respected wildlife photographer, specializing in baby animals and photographing them as they grow up. Knowing that leopards are shy and elusive–-and mothers are even more so–-she is thrilled when an amazing opportunity arises. There is a female leopard dubbed The Camp Female living in Botswana’s Jao Reserve, where, being safe from hunters, she is relaxed around humans. When Suzi learns that the leopard has given birth, she quickly packs and flies to Botswana. Wanting to always remember this experience, the photographer decides to keep a diary.
Immediately upon her arrival, Kambango, Suzi’s guide, takes her directly to the leopard family’s well-hidden den. When the mother returns from a hunt, Suzi “meets” the cubs as they emerge from their hiding place. As the days pass, Suzi and Kambango, after the mother determines it’s safe for them to see her cubs, spend time with the leopards, and the photographer discovers that everything is an essential learning experience. Even play has a purpose. Pouncing, wrestling, and chasing Mom’s tail give them the strength and coordination necessary for hunting prey. While Suzi travels between Botswana and the U.S. to complete other assignments, she continues to chronicle the cubs’ growth, development, and growing abilities to live and hunt on their own.
Suzi Eszterhas’ diary gives readers a front-row seat in the drama of the lives of leopards in the African savannah. Her descriptions of their habits and her experiences are detailed, lively, informative, and spiced with entertaining and humorous tidbits. Not only does the author give us insights into the leopards’ lives and habits, she introduces us to some other critters that share the savannah. Her skill as a photographer shows: she captures scenes like a leopard’s sudden pouncing that are both unexpected and fleeting. Like the author/photographer, readers see the savannah through her camera lens and are enamored of the little furballs who grow up to become successful adults. Kids who like animals will delight in reading about the experiences of the author and the leopards she loves.
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