I enjoyed this book. It was simple portrayal of a young boy who finds a young orphaned panda bear near his home. He raises the panda until it is taken to a rescue facility. The main theme of the book is to show the rescue process of the panda. The book addresses issues with environmentalism and caring for wild animals.

I am on the fence about this book. I am leaning more to liking the book, mostly being hung up by a few facts. Having lived in China, and after visiting an array of rescue centers myself, I can say the facts were correct. For example, the diet and aide and the type of researchers are correct.

I felt that the book lost out on including some important information about the Species Survival Plan. This is one of the biggest international programs for working towards any type endangered species. While China has its own set of rules for pandas in addition to the SSP, I think this information may have been useful in the story. The story also gave the illusion that pandas were only found in Sichuan province, which is not true. Pandas are in the mountains of Sichuan, Qinghai, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. The author has a pretty decent note in the back, and this information could have easily been added.

The book being set in Sichuan province, did not have Lu Qin's Panda go to Chengdu's Research Base and Panda Breeding Center. This is the best established center in all of China, and is at this point the only one that is willing to work with foreign researchers. While I understand that this is a realistic fiction book, I feel it fell short on some of the information. Especially since most westerners know so little about China and the role the US plays in Panda Research.

I liked the story though, despite my harsh criticisms on facts. I was touched by the young boy who raised the Panda. I found the lifestyle for the countryside residents to be authentic. For example I found it interesting that the author includes the concept of the peasants and land owners getting money for their land and compensation to move into the cities. This is a big "migration" issue in present day China. I also liked the illustrations that were included. For example, the detail on the fur of the pandas was always done very well. A good introduction to the concept of environmentalism. ( )

Nice little story about a boy in modern rural China who hand-rears a baby panda after its mother is found dead. Engaging characters. ( )