Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The Jouberts-husband-and-wife photographers, conservationists, and National Geographic explorers-in-residence-document their time spent filming a young leopard and her mother, Tortilis, in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Sharp photographs depict quiet moments between Legadema and Tortilis, as the mother leopard protects and cares for her cub: "Each day that Legadema's mother was playing with her, she was teaching her how to be a big leopard." The Jouberts capture the threats inherent in the "noisy, chirping, squeaking, trumpeting, bellowing, roaring Eden" of the leopards' sub-Saharan home, most dramatically when Legadema and her mother are nearly attacked by a lion. It's a straightforward but gripping portrait of leopards in the wild and a young animal developing into a capable, independent adult. Ages 4-8. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-4-Legadema is a young leopard who must learn to survive in the Okavango Delta, in Botswana, Africa. Award-winning filmmakers, photographers, and authors, the Jouberts watched Legadema for four and a half years as she grew from a days-old leopard cub into a full-grown adult who must live and survive on her own. On the very first page, the authors tell readers to look for a certain unique spot right next to Legadema's nose to help distinguish her among multiple leopards. The narrative progresses through the early years of Legadema's life, with mini-stories about a close call with some lions and her love of chasing squirrels. Stunning photographs laid out over a bold color palette of oranges and greens will entertain readers and have them gushing about the beautiful big cats. At the end of the book, the authors provide kid-friendly fun facts about leopards and various resources for learning more. However, the suggested reading is mostly aimed at an older audience. VERDICT A strong addition for any children's collection, especially where Deborah Lee Rose and Susan Kelly's Jimmy the Joey: The True Story of an Amazing Koala Rescue and Lucy Cooke's A Little Book of Sloth are popular.-Kristin Unruh, Siersma Elementary School, Warren, MI © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
The Jouberts, National Geographic filmmakers and photographers, observed and photographed a baby leopard in Botswana over four-plus years. An evocative text and excellent photos follow Legadema's (which means "light from the sky" in Setswana) development as she learns climbing and hunting skills and eventually becomes mother to her own cubs. More leopard information and a photographers' note are appended. Reading list, websites. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Stunning color photographs and a lively, engaging text depict both the special bond between a mother leopard and her cub and how the cub learns to become independent.This coming-of-age story about Legadema, meaning "light from the sky" in the Setswana language, takes place in Botswana's lush Okavango Delta region. The Jouberts chronicle how the cub learns from her mother and from experience the skills she will need to survive on her own. One dramatic moment finds the cub encountering a pride of hungry lions and narrowly escaping by climbing a tree. The descriptive text is vividly evocative of Legadema's world: "When crimson clouds blanketed the horizon and the forest came alive with a cacophony of animals and an orchestra of frogs that sounded like tiny bells, Legadema's mother carried her cub in her mouth and settled into their sheltered den." Beverly Joubert's captivating photographs capture the cub at play, at rest, interacting with her mother, and hunting. The Jouberts explain in an afterword that they spent four and a half years living with Legadema. In addition to Legadema's story is general information about leopards and a color map showing where they live in Africa. An attractively designed, appealing, and informative story suitable for reading aloud or reading independently. (maps, photos) (Nonfiction. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
