The Lion and the Savannah

Laurence Steven is Chairman of the English Department at Laurentian
University and author of Dissociation and Wholeness in Patrick White’s
Fiction.

This is an excellent account both of the life of a lion named Simba, and
of his habitat. Comprising the author’s observations and photographs
while a guest of the African Safari Club in Kenya, this book will make a
fine reference for class projects in the middle to upper grades of
elementary school.

The relatively large format is accessible. Information is broken down
into discrete chapters (such as “The Predators,” or “A Lion
Hunt”), each of which in turn is broken down into individually titled
paragraphs. Each photograph has its own italicized gloss, in the style
of National Geographic. A glossary of key words used and a brief index
are included.

Taylor places the lions at the centre of an interconnected ecosystem,
then describes their life, bringing out a multitude of aspects of the
savannah in the process. He provides information on how the pride works
together to kill prey, and how the survival of other members of the
ecosystem relates to the lions. There are references to problems with
poachers, and the ever-growing problem of endangered animals. Children
need to understand that many of these animals are precious to our world
and must be protected before they become extinct—and this book helps.

Recommended for public and elementary-school libraries.