The Lion Family Book

Part of the same series that included The Goose Family Book , this new installment presents close-up photos of lions and cubs that portray the strict family structure. The narration and pictures work well to impart to readers a sense of family life and each day's rhythms: males prowl the territory to make sure that there are no interlopers or threats to the pride while females hunt down foodin this case, a gnu. Hofer's text includes hints as to the lives of the other animals of the African landsthe scavenging vultures and marabous, the ever-alert animals who watch at the watering hole and all through the night against the chance of a strike by a hungry cat. Strikingly composed, the photos offer splendid backgrounds to the solid text. Ages 5-up. (Sept.)