cover image Young Lions

Young Lions

Toshi Yoshida. Philomel Books, $14.95 (36pp) ISBN 978-0-399-21546-9

One warm afternoon, while the rest of their pride dozes, three young lions venture off for their first hunt. Their expedition introduces them to the other residents of the great African plain. Impalas race past, pursued by a pair of hungry cheetahs. The lions try their luck at tracking a herd of gnus but are not yet fast enough. After the sun sets over Mt. Kilimanjaro, the lions go back to their mother. Magnificent, realistic illustrations of wild animals are the highlight of this book. Captured in lovely colored pencil drawings are the speed of the cheetahs and the glory of the African day and night. Unfortunately, the text--a translation from Japanese--is a bit stilted and simplistic sounding. In spite of this, the book is a wonderful introduction to African nature. Ages 3-7. (Apr.)