Cecil's Pride - The True Story of a Lion King

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

The story of the death of Cecil, the African Lion famed for his black mane, is well known, but this is the story of the life of Cecil. The book chronicles the early life and struggles of the lion to survive as he establishes himself as the lion king in Hwang National Park in Zimbabwe. The authors are well known for their books on unusual animal friendships, including their best seller Owen and Mzee. This book also highlights an unusual alliance made between two rival lions, Cecil and Zericho, and how that pact ultimately leads to the survival of Cecil's pride of lions. The photography brings the story to life as it showcases the lions and their habitat. The background information is helpful in understanding facts about lions, the impact of hunting on the fate of Africa's lions, and what researchers are learning through their tracking studies of lions. This book, by not dwelling on the infamous death of Cecil, but rather his extraordinary life will appeal to children of many ages, as well as adults.

Overall Book Score: excellent