Big cats

Unseen and unheard, a big cat might follow its prey for hours before it pounces. This colorful book begins by pointing out some of the physical characteristics (soft paws, sharp claws, strong jaws) and practices (stealth, explosive speed, hunting in dim light) that make big cats such successful predators. As the text discusses these and other related traits, it introduces a variety of large felines: lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, pumas, and leopards, including rarely seen clouded leopards. The elusive snow leopard wears its smoky gray-brown fur like an invisibility cloak. The book's later sections consider how cats communicate through scent glands and urine as well as how big-cat mothers raise their cubs. The photos, which are often beautifully lit, portray individual cats and small groups. In an appended note, Bishop recalls some of the stories behind the photos taken on safari in Africa. A zoologist, writer, and remarkably fine wildlife photographer, Bishop illustrated the Sibert Honor Book Nic Bishop Spiders (2007) and Sy Montgomery's Sibert Award-winning Kakapo Rescue (2010). A handsome, informative introduction to big cats.--Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2010 Booklist

As noted early on: "This book is about the largest and most powerful of all cats."These are, technically, big cats: tigers, lions, jaguars, leopards, snow leopards, and clouded leopards. Pumas and cheetahs have been included because, although they are more closely related to house cats, they arebig. Bishop is a wildlife photographer par excellence, filling every double-page spread with photographsmake that portraitsthat arrest beholders. The layout is eye-catching, with generously leaded, large print, sometimes in colored ink, over photographic backgrounds or blocks of color; each page always includes one sentence in oversized type. The text is accessible, modulating between conversational and lyrical. Emphasis is placed on how big cats become skilled hunters, with details not for the faint of heart. Of a lion: "Saber-like canine teeth pierce and hold the struggling animal, giving it little chance of escape." However, readers are spared any gore in the photographs, and the text is tactful about feline territorial disputes. Facts about specific big cats are used both to highlight differences and to demonstrate similarities across species. There's vocabulary too, such as the word "coalition," referring to a group of young, male cheetahs. Some readers may find that the use of "lioness" for female lions has a slightly anachronistic sound. The book ends with the recounting of some fascinating stories related to photographing cats in the wild, thoughtfully meting out compassion for both predators and prey.Growing up beautiful and carnivorous. (index, glossary) (Informational picture book. 6-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.