Panda Kindergarten

PreS-Gr 1This inviting book introduces 16 cubs at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at Wolong Nature Reserve. Ryder describes the organization's purpose and procedures to save the animals from extinction, focusing on the reserve's efforts to keep the pandas healthy and safe and placing less emphasis on their primary role as a breeding center, which works well for the intended audience. The author explains that as the pandas grow older, they may be released into the wild or they may stay in the safety of the compound to "have cubs of their own." She also describes how staff members help to care for twins, whereas in the wild, only one baby can survive. Feng's clear and detailed photographs are visual treats, giving readers a glimpse into the feeding and care of the pandas. There's a high cuteness factor as the cubs play, sleep, and interact with caregivers. Additional facts about giant pandas are appended, but are almost hidden on the CIP page. The colorful photography and smooth text pair well for a quick, instructive read-a-loud."Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA" Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.