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BIG CATS by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

BIG CATS

by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent & illustrated by Kendahl Jan Jubb

Pub Date: Oct. 1st, 2005
ISBN: 0-8027-8968-4
Publisher: Walker

This competent introduction to big cats of the world begins with an eye-catching cover. After generally describing the family range, size, appearance, specialized body parts, hunting (without using the word carnivore) and territories, Patent goes on to provide specifics about each of the seven species she has chosen to include: lion, leopard, cheetah, tiger, snow leopard (incorrectly identified as Panthera uncia rather than uncia uncia), cougar and jaguar. Scientific names and size are given for each, and smaller maps show where they live. Young readers will learn about hunting styles and favorite prey. For each species, Patent adds a different detail: how lions live in prides; that tigers will swim to cool off; how a snow leopard can tuck its tail around its face. Lush watercolor illustrations fill each page; some are double-page spreads. Endpapers show the species on a map of the world. An explanation of the endangered status of these animals will be confusing to readers who don’t know the categories and makes a disappointingly limp conclusion to an otherwise interesting book. (Nonfiction. 6-10)