Rise of the Lioness: Restoring a Habitat and Its Pride on the Liuwa Plains by Bradley Hague

Title: Rise of the Lioness: Restoring a Habitat and Its Pride on the Liuwa Plains

Author: Bradley Hague

Poaching and war damaged an isolated wilderness in West Zambia, reducing its lion population to just one: Lady, the last lioness. Witness Lady's fight for survival in this evocative narrative on the decline, fall, and rebirth of the Liuwa Plains. Follow Lady as she grapples with a landscape altered by human hands and discover how both Lady and humankind restore balance to the environment.

More than a story about one brave lion, The Lioness offers a great introduction to life science by looking at the workings of an ecosystem, the methods of scientists and environmentalists, and explaining the interconnection between the plant, animal, and human systems. 

This is a absolutely fascinating book! The story of Lady (the last Lioness) is amazing.  To hear how she was alone for 10 years and how they were able to bring more lions to her was incredible.  I found myself almost cheering a little when I read that her and the male lions became a family and inseparable.  And then when cubs were born! Just amazing to see the be how they worked to bring the lions back and to see they were having success.  

The photography in the book is great.  I love nonfiction books with lots of clear strong photographs because they help me understand the information better.  This pictures in this book did that.  From the pictures I was able to better understand the climate of Liuwa, the affects of poaching and how lions survive there.  I know many kids will be hooked by the pictures in the book!

Media Thoughts:  I would for sure add this to my collection.  I'm finding that elementary kids enjoy and seek out animal nonfiction books, and this would be a great addition.  To note, though, this is not a simple read.  Although it's filled with photographs it also has a lot of text. Just something to keep in mind.  Also - I think it would be a great book to share with the science teachers in the building.  It talks about habitat, ecology, and ecosystem just to name a few.  

Like nonfiction

Like books about animals

Are pulled into a book by the pictures