This fact-filled series about big cats includes lots of interesting information for eager readers. Facts about the animals’ habitats, hunting habits, appearance, social grouping, speed, diet, and development are clearly presented. Each volume identifies the cat’s status on the world’s endangered scale, and almost all these beautiful creatures are identified as at least “vulnerable.” In all cases, the reason is habitat loss and hunting. The series includes great ­close-up color ­photos. As needed, labeled arrows point to cats’ specific features, clarifying information in the text. Additionally, each title includes a world map, with the cat’s range noted in red.
Of special interest in each volume, especially to cat owners/­lovers, is a side-by-side size diagram comparing the height at shoulder and length (without tail) of the big cat to those of a house cat in inches and centimeters. Various diagrams offer information about cats, including conservation status, populations in the wild, population trends, and lifespan. Back matter includes a glossary and an index, a bibliography, and resources for additional information.
VERDICT: Recommended for schools and public collections. Sensitive students may feel concerned about some hunting scenes, though they’re not gory.