From the regal lion to the cryptic ocelot, children will learn about the big cats found across the globe as they develop and enhance their reading skills. Written for children ages 6-9, this book represents one installment of a nature series that pairs reading and scientific curiosity. The descriptive language blends simple vocabulary with content-specific terms that likely represent new words to the young reader. Though at times complex, the sentence structure is enhanced by cues that convey novelty, emphasis, and sound. Realistic painting-like illustrations capture the intricate details of each animal through rich, saturated colors that span the natural earth tones. Likewise, the realism in each image conveys a sense of movement and immerses the reader in the animals’ habitat, routines, and behaviors and highlights the information provided in the text including predator-prey interactions, social relationships, and basic life history characteristics. Both parents and children alike will enjoy the multifaceted learning opportunity provided by engaging, factual depictions of the world’s big cats. ( )