Mountain Lions

 

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Mountain Lions

by Sandra Markle
Animal Predators Series

Lerner Publications, 2010

ISBN-13: 978-1-58013-538-2

Nonfiction

Grades 3-6

“It’s late June in Montana, but snow still lingers in the high forests. In open patches, new green sprouts peek through the winter brown grass. The tawny brown female mountain lion blends in perfectly. She moves slowly—almost silently—on big, padded paws, stalking a mule deer that’s grazing just ahead of her.”

Traveling from Los Alamos, New Mexico, toward the Jemez Mountains, right before dusk, I was surprised to see a mountain lion stride across the two lane road and leap onto the rocky cut along the side of the road. I’d never seen a mountain lion in the wild and the power and strength it showed in the short time I watched it move surprised me. I knew they were strong and big, but this was a real, wild animal. The thought crossed my mind that I lived not too far away and maybe I shouldn’t be taking such carefree walks through the trees.

Sandra Markle’s text and stunning photographs make this book a fascinating read. The book is in the series Animal Predators, and it begins with an explanation of predator/prey and the relationship. It explores the names mountain lions are called, and then moves on to explain in depth the life cycle and habits of the mountain lion. Mountain Lions traces the growth of the kittens until the mother moves on, starting the cycle again.

The book’s back matter includes a Looking Back section, which sends readers to specific pages to observe details. It has a glossary, further information section, recommended websites, and an index. One of my favorite pictures is one of the badger confronting the female, who has her ears pinned back.

This is an excellent book filled with facts, and while a reader may pick it up for the photographs, they’ll be drawn in for the detailed information.

Activity 1

Research another member of the big cat family, like lions, tigers, juaguars, or cheetahs. Choose one and create a Venn diagram comparing the cat with the mountain lion.

National Geographic has good information about mountain lions and the cat family. Scroll down to find out about the big cats.

Activity 2

Write a description of the habit a mountain lion needs in order to be successful. Conclude with the reasons why the big cats are threatened.

National Science Standard: life cycle of organisms; organisms and their environment

 Book provided by publisher

Take a look at the Nonfiction Book Blast blog. If you’re attending the 2011 ALA Conference, here’s what our panel is doing.

NONFICTION MONDAY

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