Counting Lions

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

10 double-page spreads introduce the numbers 1-10 - and animals that are vulnerable and endangered. Each spread includes an illustration of animals in the accompanying number and has a short free verse poem about the species. The book is hard to categorize: it doesn't totally work as a counting book because the numbers are spelled out only; the information about the animals really targets school aged children and not preschoolers; the subtle hint that counting the species is a reminder of dwindling numbers targets adult readers; the impassioned foreword by Virginia McKenna (animal activist and actress from Born Free) is definitely written for the adult reader. Still it is an important book - but where will it go in the collection?

The illustrations are exquisite. They are charcoal drawings that are photo-realistic. The cover drawing of the lion is as rich and detailed as any photo. The book is over-sized which will make shelving difficult. It is like a coffee-table book for the younger reader. It is a beautiful tribute to endangered species and worth looking for a place on your shelves to host it.

Overall Book Score: very good