Review: 'The Kings of the Savannah'
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 5, 2013
Israeli travel enthusiast and writer Roni Shwartz has traveled through Africa, Australia, and New Zealand studying the life and behaviors of his beloved animal kingdom. Now, in what we hope will be a long series of books, he addresses the definition, lifestyle, habits and sanctuaries of the animals about who he cares so dearly in a series of photographs and fats that will enlighten not only children (the intended audience) but also adults who may had misconceptions about these grand animals.Though a richly colorful series of excellent photographs Shwartz offers commentary on the qualities of lions, members of the Felidae or cat family - and among the surprises here is that although lions are known as `king of the beasts', they are in fact the second largest of the big cat species (tigers are first!).  From his photographs and writings we learn where they live (not in jungles but on the savannahs - grasslands and plains) in Africa and India, that there are three types of lions (North African-Asian, South African, Middle African and Asiatic or Indian), their size, why they have a mane, their behavior with humans, their intelligence, the socializing habits (usually all the lionesses in a pride are related  - mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters!), the eating habits (their only true rivals are hyenas), how they hunt for food (lionesses are better hunters than the males), who they hunt and mark their areas, how long they live (15 years in the wild), their enemies (Man!!!!), and the many aspects of lions in our culture of art and ideas.This is one of the most enjoyable learning picture books a child can love. Be ready for the whole set! Grady Harp, December 13