ANNOTATION

An introduction to the physical characteristics and behavior of the leopard, a smart predator that can climb trees and that lives in a variety of environments.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Candice Ransom

Can a leopard change his spots? No, but he can cover them up, or nearly. Not all leopards are yellow; some are black, though their spots are visible in certain light. This big cat uses his famous coat as camouflage. The leopard can be found in the African grasslands, mountains, rainforests and deserts. Depending on where he lives, the leopard's coat varies from pale yellow to orange. Leopards are superb climbers, dragging carcasses up trees to keep other predators away from their kill. This 24-page title in the "Big Cats" series emphasizes hunting and eating. Some facts are fascinating, such as the method that jungle leopards employ to catch monkeys¿¿¿pulling on the branches all night until a tired monkey drops into its jaws. However, discussion of "yummy prey" makes the cat seem a bit toothsome. And Thomson's gazelle, the African leopard's favorite meal, is referred to throughout the text as a Tommy. This unfamiliar animal should be introduced by its formal name. Full-color photographs face the narrative. Back matter includes books and videos, zoos, web sites, a glossary of terms and an index. 2002, Gareth Stevens,