BIG CATS!

A veteran creator of children’s nonfiction turns her attention to six feline species.

Gibbons opens with an image of a tiger and a leopard gazing at readers, paired with prose lauding these creatures’ beauty and grace. Vignettes of a cougar, cheetah, and jaguar in striking environs accompany information about their habitats. This brief introductory section concludes with a mention of their hunting prowess, enlivened by a dramatic, full-page illustration of a lioness on the verge of tackling a gazelle, both animals midleap. (Apropos of the book’s young audience, there are no gory carcasses here; the prey makes a narrow escape or expires with minimal bleeding.) Spotlights on each of the six types of big cats follow. Brief, engaging descriptions anchor the artwork, while facts in smaller print are interspersed. Successive spreads cover anatomy, senses, and, entertainingly, facial expressions. The book wraps up with conservation concerns, including poaching, global warming, and human encroachment. Nonetheless, it ends on a hopeful note, with information about habitat protection, maps of animals’ home ranges, and ways to support conservation work. Though the work lacks citations, a list of websites offers readers an opportunity to learn more. While the humming visuals may overwhelm some, young wildlife enthusiasts will delight in repeated reads to absorb every detail. The author’s signature vivacious artwork and unfussy text elevate this introduction to a cherished group of animals. Humans depicted are diverse.

A satisfying glimpse at some of the world’s most charismatic felids.