(4) K-3 Photographs by Brent Stapelkamp. Photographs by Cecil the lion's former "keeper" elevate this text, which refreshingly focuses on Cecil's life and not his tragic death. Particular attention is paid to his unusual alliance with a rival to share their territory. While sometimes heavy-handed, the book may spark discussion about conservation and hunting. Back matter includes facts about lions, the Hwange National Park, and the aftermath of Cecil's death.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) K-3 Also by Isabella Hatkoff. The authors of Owen & Mzee tell another compelling true wildlife story--this time about rescued orphan dolphin calf Hope. The Clearwater Marine team strategically placed Hope with another rescued dolphin, Winter (from Winter's Tail, which inspired the movie Dolphin's Tale), in hopes that they would develop a friendship and help each other rehabilitate. Large, crisp color photos complement the straightforward text.

Reviewer: Shara Hardeson

(3) K-3 The Hatkoffs relate the story of an orphaned baby snow leopard, first found in the mountains by a Pakistani goat herder. Through international cooperation among governments and wildlife protection organizations, the animal was transported, with some difficulty, to the Bronx Zoo, known for its snow leopard expertise. Vivid captioned photos of the adorable cub complement the clear, straightforward text.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 The authors of Owen & Mzee, Knut, and Looking for Miza explore the rescue and rehabilitation of a young Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. After Winter loses her tail to a crab trap, numerous individuals (including a prosthetics designer who fashions an artificial tail) and institutions help her return to full mobility. Clear photographs and factual end matter enhance the clearly written text.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Photographs by Peter Greste. The authors of Owen & Mzee and Knut tell another compelling, true wildlife story. Miza, a baby mountain gorilla in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and her mother, go missing. The rangers and Miza's father, a silverback, search for them. Miza eventually returns, although her mother does not. The text is frequently awkward, but impressive nature photographs make this story memorable.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) K-3 Photographs by Peter Greste. In their second book about the young hippo and elderly tortoise living in a Kenyan wildlife sanctuary, the authors report on the pair's first year and a half together. The color photos are topflight, and the anecdotes (such as one about new tortoise pal Toto) will satisfy fans of the odd couple. Thankfully, this book tones down the first book's sentimentality and anthropomorphism.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Also by Gerald R. Uhlich. The Hatkoffs (Owen & Mzee) turn their attention to polar bear Knut. Born at Zoo Berlin, Knut, neglected by his mother, is fostered by Thomas Dörflien, one of the zoo's dedicated bear keepers. Clearly written text relates events from Knut's first year, and the photos reveal a winsome cub who has inspired his admirers to help save polar bears' natural habitat.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Marilyn Mets. A first-person account of a tonsillectomy by the child-author and her father, this book evenly presents the steps from diagnosis through surgery and recovery. Illustrated with mostly pastel, somewhat sketchy pictures, it offers realistic details followed by the optimistic conclusion that because the increased attention is good, the worst thing about a tonsillectomy is that "you can only do it once."

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian