The Lion Queens of India

Originally found this book at the library and I had to check it out so many times for my child that we ended up buying it! Very well written, excellent photographs, and it has an uplifting and positive take on conservationism. Information provided is interesting! Unlike many animal books geared towards kids this one had more then just basic facts. As an adult I learned new things as well!

This informative book about saving Asiatic lions from near extinction and provides a lot of information in a very thin book. Exquisite photos of the lions and the lion queens make for a vivid presentation of the the interdependent web and the questions of how humans and animals in the wild can live side by side make for a full story with lots of discussion options. The book itself could open a lot of questions worth researching. And the conservation story is very appealing.

This book addresses two important topics: the saving of the Asiatic lion (in India) from extinction AND the work of the LION QUEENS including the first female park ranger, Rashila Vadher and other females who have since joined. This work takes place in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in western India.Young readers learn facts about this lion while also learning about how Vadher and her colleagues protect and care for these creatures. There's a strong theme focused on how it takes a village to protect these creatures. The Lion Queens educate others about how to live in peace with lions and they are looking to expand the lions' territory as the number increases.Vadher, the first female park ranger, broke into the male-dominated field by taking and passing a physical test and, as noted in the author's note, by becoming an expert at tranquilizing animals which was a skill in high demand and at rescuing animals. Now she is the Head of Rescue for the Gujarat Forest Department. Such an inspiring story!!!! And, as noted in a review I read, it is such a breath of fresh air to read about a ranger/scientist/caretaker of animals who is from that part of the world and not a visiting Caucasian scientist/researcher from another part of the world. (Not that those books are bad. Just...)DON'T SKIP THE AUTHOR'S NOTE. Jan Reynolds is a new author for me. Her writing is clear, well suited for her audience. Her author's note reveals her attempts at accuracy and authority.BTW I purchased this book from Hicklebee's, a independently owned bookstore in San Jose, CA.

Very empowering read about women, culture and conservation. Jan is an adventurer and a super author who writes very appropriate books for young readers. Very worth the purchase, as are all her books!