Pi-Shu: The Little Panda
PreS-Gr 2-A story that begins with promise ends abruptly and without resolution. A newborn panda grows up close to a loving mother, learning to walk, climb, and eat bamboo. Simple panda facts, accessible to young children, are deftly woven into the narrative. The plot then changes gears, seemingly becoming an environmental tale, when Pi-shu happens upon some deforestation and, frightened by the smells and noise, runs for his mother. She "sensed that this part of the forest wasn't safe anymore," and takes her baby on a long journey over the plateau to the next valley. They arrive at a grove of bamboo next to a clear mountain stream, and the story ends. There is no indication that this is a perfect area to serve as their new home; instead, the author states that "One day Pi-shu would want to-find a place of his own to live" but is content where he is for now. This seems completely out of place with the rest of the story. The pictures are gorgeous, with panoramic views of the valleys and mountains at dusk, snow gently falling on the huddled mother and child, and expressive faces on the lifelike pandas. However, the unsatisfying conclusion detracts from an otherwise enchanting book.Holly Belli, Bergen County Cooperative Library System, West Caldwell, NJCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.