Your Cat's Wild Cousins

An introduction to the domestic cat's cousins--ocelots, leopards, caracals, bobcats, tigers, jaguars, and others--describes their special traits, appearance, habits, diet, and more and features colorful photographs.

Grade 4-6-- Domestic cats have much in common with their wild relatives, and Ryden uses short essays and photographs to describe the physical traits and behavior of 18 species. An album of double-page entries, the book makes thoughtful use of the simple catalog scheme. An introductory entry is devoted to Ryden's own pet, Lily, who also appears in cleverly chosen vignettes in all other entries. Generally two photographs of each species accompany the chatty commentary, providing a cursory, interesting introduction to the animal. Pictures of the wild animals and of Lily are particularly well matched to the concepts discussed. The marbled cat's long tail, the monkeylike face of Pallas's cat, and the Canada lynx's huge paws are among the highlighted features. Scientific names and geographical range are provided, and the threatened state of many species is emphasized. An additional 20 species are listed at the end of the book. A fine lesson in comparison and observation, this will have wide appeal for booktalking, reports, browsing, and reading enjoyment. --Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the author of Wild Animals of America ABC (1988) and other nature titles, an elegant, readable look at 18 wild relatives of the housecat, with striking color photos and information on appearance, behavior, habitat, scientific name, and endangered status for each. The familiar lion, tiger, and cheetah, as well as the more exotic caracal, fishing cat, and jaguarundi, are included, along with snaps of Ryden's red tabby housecat, Lily--whose similar behaviors provide a link between the wild and the familiar. The facts here are curious and intriguing: the marbled cat has a thick, bushy tail, used as a balancing rod when he climbs trees; spotted leopards and black leopards may be born in the same litter. Beautiful and informative; a treat for cat lovers and naturalists. List of 18 additional wild cats; index. (Nonfiction. 8-12) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.