Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains

Anderson, a zoologist and filmmaker, frames a captivating and effective introduction to snow leopards as an adventurer’s firsthand observations of the elusive animal in its Himalayan habitat. Benson’s detailed, precise watercolors—stone-hued, like their subject and its habitat and prey—are complemented by well-chosen words: “Her coat is pale gold and silver-grey, with black rosettes... the rosettes look like the shadows under stones and boulders... allowing her to disappear into the landscape.” Captions, set in a different typeface and placed lower on the page, offer additional facts: “Snow leopards can wander over an area of up to almost 400 square miles.” Further information about the rare animal, the threats it faces, and ways to help are presented alongside an index at the book’s close. Ages 5–8. [em](Oct.) [/em]