Cecil’s Pride: The True Story of a Lion King

The Hatkoffs (Owen & Mzee) add to their roster of real-life animal stories with a moving look at a pride of lions that researcher Stapelkamp studied in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park—particularly the pride’s leader, Cecil, famously killed by an American dentist in 2015. “Everyone knew how Cecil died,” write the authors. “We would tell the story of how Cecil lived.” Based on Stapelkamp’s time with the lions (and featuring intimate photographs throughout), the book traces challenges to Cecil’s authority and lion behavior in general; following Cecil’s (off-screen) death, the focus shifts to how the pride adjusted to his absence. It’s a poignant story that is sure to prompt conversations about hunting and wildlife preservation. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)