World Wildlfe Day, Mar. 3, 2020
Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains
Justin Anderson, Author
Patrick Benson, Illustrator
Candlewick Press, Non-fiction, Oct. 8, 2019
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes: Snow Leopards, Himalayan Mountains, Endangered, Conservation
Opening: “The people who live among the Himalayan mountains tell stories of a mysterious aniaml they call the gray ghost. They say that if you see one, you’ll be so happy and excited, you’ll feel as if your soul is flying.”
Book Synopsis:
Join a zoologist in the Himalayan mountains as he searches for the elusive snow leopard. With her pale gold and silver-gray coat painted with black rosettes, the snow leopard blends into the boulders so well that it’s no wonder she’s called the gray ghost of the mountians. But the lucky few who spot her will be rewarded with a sight they won’t soon forget.
Look! A line of paw prints in the snow. This might be your lucky day! Follow the tracks to discover the secret world of a rar and utterly majestic creature.
Why I like this book:
Readers will feel like they are with author, Justin Anderson, on a grand adventure to find the elusive snow leopard, hidden high in the rugged Himalayas. The author’s descriptive narrative is mesmarizing as readers scour the pages in search of the snow leopard. Readers will also learn about the leopard’s habitat, motherhood and teaching a cub survival instincts, territorial behavior, and diet of sheep, ibex, marmots, goats and yaks.
This non-fiction picture book is packed with additional factual information set in small print at the bottom of each spread. It provides nature lovers with valuable insight into snow leopard habits. For example: “Snow leopards have the longest tail of any cat. Not only is it an amazing scarf, but it also helps them keep their balance when they’re jumping between rocks or chasing prey.” Snow Leopard will appeal to elementary school children who are interested in details about animals and nature.
Patrick Benson’s stunning watercolors capture the strength of this majestic creature and the starkness of its surroundings. His illustrations blend beautifully with Anderson’s story with double-page spreads that give the cat a larger than life appeal. Readers will grasp how challenging and exciting it is to spot a snow leopard in this wild terrain.
Resources: After a new snow, take a walk in nature and search for animal prints in the snow. Try to identify the prints. You may not find a snow leopard, but you will have fun identifying deer, rabbit and other animal foot prints.
Read the information about the vulnerable snow leopard at the back of the book. To find out more about saving snow leopards in Ladakh, look up the following organizations: The Snow Leopar Conservancy – India Trust and The Youth Association fo Conservation and Development in Hemis National Park.
Justin Anderson is a zoologist and filmmaker with a passion for animals and wild places. He spend months in Ladakh in northern India leading a BBC crew filming snow leopards for Planet Earth II. During that time his favorite adventures were riding a yak and hearing leopards singing in the moonlight. He says, “The first time I saw a snow leopard, I was so excited I danced a little jig of joy!” Anderson lives in England.
*Reviewed from a copy provided by the publisher.
This sounds like a fantastic book!
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Kids will love going on an adventure with Justin Anderson to track a snow leopard.
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Perfect for all animal lovers.
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Yes, it is a beautiful book!
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I love snow leopards (well, all big cats) and this looks like a beautiful nonfiction addition for animal lovers.
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I thought about you when I read this book. I knew it would be a book the nature-loverin you would love.
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I love snow leopards! Ever since seeing a documentary about them, I’ve wanted to see them in their natural habitat. But I know that’s highly unrealistic. But I can dream, right? Will put this book on my TBR list. Thanks for the rec!
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It’s a nice dream! Atleast you can follow the author-illustrator on his trek into the Himalayas to find a snow leopard.
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Looks incredible; I just love snow leopards. Thanks for your comprehensive reviews!
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They are beautiful animals. I know kids will love pouring over the pages.
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What a stunning cover. I will have to check this one out. Thanks for the heads up.
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Yes, the cover does grab you immediately. It is hauntingly beautiful, as are the other illustrations.
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This kind of book is one I can look at over and over again. The snow leopard is beautiful. I’m going to find a copy and give it to my nephew who is on the path to have a future working with animals.
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It is a book to study. Your nephew would enjoy the adventure with the author.
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Thanks for sharing.
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