Giant Pandas

 
Seidensticker, John and Lumpkin, Susan. Giant Pandas. New York : Collins, 2007.

Plot: The title reviews pandas with special emphasis on their presence at the National Zoo. The text reflects on the bear's strange transition from nearly ignored to national icons. Additionally, the changing views of the panda's place in taxonomy finds consideration, with the text mentioning the animals' similarities with both bears and raccoons before confirming their current classification as a bear. Pandas' habitats, lifestyles, and adaptations fill two chapters. However, consideration for the plight of the panda remains present throughout the entire text, particularly in the last chapter.

Genre: Animals, Conservation

Reading Level: Aimed at adults, but the text is accessible for tweens.

Similar Titles: Natural History, Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide

Personal Thoughts: A title capable of being enjoyed for both visuals and text. The Smithsonian utilizes its resources to promote understanding and sympathy for the bears while enlightening readers of the facts surrounding them through written information and colorful photographs. Unlike many texts, it mentions the contrasting views of animal conservation. While people enjoy watching pandas, the title explains, they do not always know how to best help them. Establishing a captive breeding population, for example, often finds funding. However, the strongest threat to the animals' survival comes from habitat destruction, which gains significantly less emphasis from the media. The book also brings attention to the complex political history of showing the bears in zoo settings and outlines current standards for keeping pandas in captivity. Panda enthusiasts can find ample information in the title.

Side Note: Jerome! Get out of there!