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Animal Tales

The circle of life through narrative adventures

By Karyn M. Peterson -- Gifts and Dec, 7/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

A young tiger deep in a forest in India . . . a mama panda and her cub high on a misty mountain in China . . . a red-tailed hawk and his mate on the roof of a New York City apartment building. These stories and more can be found in these engaging new picture books that are ideal for pairing with plush and figure sets. As kids read each animal's personal tale, they'll learn all about the lifecycles and habitats of these compelling creatures, sparking their imaginations for creative play.

With Raptor: The Life of a Young Deinonychus, written by Michel Henry and vibrantly illustrated by Rich Penney, dinosaur fans can accompany a North American carnivore (which lived 100 million years ago) as he learns to fight for food, takes a mate, becomes a father and eventually becomes leader of the pack. The graphic depictions of dinosaur battles will likely appeal to older boys. ($15.95) Abrams, New York

In Tracks of a Panda, lyrically written by Nick Dowson and illustrated in beautiful watercolor brushwork by Yu Rong, Panda watches her newborn cub grow and then sets out during winter to find a new source of food and a new habitat—a bamboo forest high up in the mountains. Fast facts about the endangered species appear on each spread. ($16.99) Candlewick, Cambridge, Mass.

The Tale of Pale Male, written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter in her characteristic style, is the true story of the famous red-tailed hawk who (along with his mate Lola and their chicks) took up messy residence on an Upper East Side rooftop in Manhattan. After angry neighbors demand the nest's removal, bird-loving New Yorkers lead the fight to let the hawks rebuild. ($16.00) Harcourt, New York

In the sweet Tiger's Story, written by zoologist Harriet Blackford and illustrated in bold, whimsical strokes by Manya Stojic, a “small, strong, stripy” tiger lives with his family in an Indian forest of familiar sights, sounds and smells. As Tiger matures, he learns to hunt and explore all on his own and, a year later, journeys far away to settle by himself in a new part of the forest. Sterling (Boxer Books), New York

Growing up is hard! That's the message of the charming, humorous Little Tad Grows Up by Italian artist Giuliano Ferri. Tad's sadness (when he loses his tail), confusion (at the strangeness of four new legs), and delight in finally being bigger (enough to escape a predatory water snake) will resonate with kids, whose experiences with their own changing bodies will be fresh in their minds. ($16.99) Penguin (Minedition), New York

In Old Mother Bear, written by Victoria Miles and realistically illustrated by Molly Bang based on true events, an old grizzly gives birth to three cubs in a British Columbian wildlife sanctuary. The dramatically detailed book, packed with facts about the species, follows Old Mother Bear from her viewpoint as she cares for her cubs, defends them, raises them to maturity, and, lastly, sends them off on their own. ($16.95) Chronicle Books, San Francisco

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