Plot: The book follows the remarkable life of Flower, a meerkat in the Kalahari Desert. She transitions from a juvenile to the dominant female of her group, known as the famous Whiskers in the Animal Planet series. The book includes information not given in the series, such as Flower's pre-dominant life, Zephod's introduction, and other groups' interactions. Additionally, the book offers a "behind the scenes" look at the biologists' concerns, such as the purpose of the meerkat studies, similar animal studies, and filming issues.
Genre: Documentary-Books, Animals
Reading Level: A fairly accommodating book, but some may not be comfortable with its references to sex, infanticide, and predation.
Similar Titles: Meerkat Mail, Meerkats
Personal Thoughts: I liked the book more than the series. Before anyone ascribes the fact to "typical librarian behavior," the reasons exist beyond the television vs. book debate. The book offers more detail, extended facts, and better explanations than the series. Also, the animals and their actions are described from the perspective of a scientist trying to understand meerkats, so the "straight facts" are more accessible. The author also includes more information on other animals the meerkats encounter, as well as animals that have similar lifestyles to meerkats. Overall, the book seems more complete than the series.
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