Big Cats [Paperback]

Seymour Simon (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

The grace and power of big cats—lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, pumas, and snow leopards—are captured in full-color photographs and a text that explores how they hunt, care for their young, and rest in their varied natural habitats. ‘The combination of action shots and the author’s practiced, informal style will win the attention of young readers, with whom Simon charges the future of big cats.’ —C.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1991 (NSTA/CBC)
1994 Garden State (NJ) Children's Nonfiction Award

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5-- Simon returns to the animal world with a striking presentation of seven members of the cat family: those that roar--the lion, tiger, leopard and jaguar--and those that merely purr--the puma, cheetah, and snow leopard. An overview discusses characteristics inherent in all, and singles out those unique to individual species. Enough information is presented to satisfy browsers and to develop an understanding of the cats' hunting techniques and adaptations to specific environments whether grasslands, jungles, or snowy mountains. Care has been taken to include those that exist in many parts of the world and to dispel some myths about these mighty hunters. Concluding statements describe how many of the big cats have been hunted nearly to extinction and give suggestions on ways they can be protected. The format is large, spacious, and uncluttered, and the text flows with an energy that matches the strength of these animals. Full-page, full-color photographs are well chosen for their clarity and diversity as cats stare boldly, hunt for prey, or appear in gentle poses with their cubs. A book that commands attention andis as impressive as the magnificent beasts it features. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary Sch . , Glen Rock, NJ
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Blue whales, right whales, humpback whales, killer whales, and more-- all strikingly photographed and lovingly described. Captivating." -- -- The Kirkus Reviews

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (March 30, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006446119X
• ISBN-13: 978-0064461191
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 10.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #394,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Photography
  • #26 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Cats > Nonfiction
  • #35 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( S ) > Simon, Seymour

More About the Author

Seymour Simon, whom the NY Times called "the dean of [children's science] writers," is the author of more than 250 highly acclaimed science books (many of which have been named Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children by the National Science Teachers Association). His free, educational children's app, SCIENCE FUN TO GO, debuted in the Top 10 of all free children's apps in the Amazon App store, and features in app purchase of original Seymour Simon eBooks, as well as a multitude of free content.

Seymour Simon uses his website, SeymourSimon.com, to provide free downloads of a wealth of materials for educators, homeschoolers and parents to use with his books, including 4-page Teacher Guides for all 26 of his Collins/Smithsonian photo essay books. The site provides multiple resources for kids writing book reports or wanting to explore the online Science Dictionary, and also features the Seymour Science blog highlighting current science news. Educators and families are encouraged to sign up to receive the monthly newsletter from SeymourSimon.com to stay abreast of the latest materials that Seymour Simon is introducing to enrich the reading experience.

He taught science and creative writing in elementary and secondary schools and was chair of the science department at a junior high school in the New York City public school system before leaving to become a full-time writer. "I haven't really given up teaching," he says, "and I suppose I never will, not as long as I keep writing and talking to kids around the country and the world."

Seymour Simon is also a creator and the author of a series of 3D books and a series of Glow-in-the-Dark Books for Scholastic Book Clubs, a series of leveled SEEMORE READERS for Chronicle Books, and the EINSTEIN ANDERSON, SCIENCE DETECTIVE series of fiction books. His books encourage children to enjoy the world around them through learning and discovery, and by making science fun. He has introduced tens of millions of children to a staggering array of subjects; one prominent science education specialist described Simon's books as "extraordinary examples of expository prose."

Seymour Simon has been honored with many awards for his work, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contribution to children's science literature; the New York State Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature; the Hope S. Dean Memorial Award from the Boston Public Library for his contribution to children's science literature; The Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Award for Non-fiction; the Jeremiah Ludington Award for his outstanding contribution to children's nonfiction; the Empire State Award for excellence in literature for young people; and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Forum on Children's Science Books.

In a recent interview Simon was asked if he ever thinks of retiring. "I seem to be working faster and harder than ever. I absolutely don't feel any urge to sit back and look at what I've done. The only things that I'm thinking about are things I'd like to do in the future. I'm planning and doing and continuing to write. It's what I love to do. I remember a story about an anthropologist going to talk to a tribe and he asked them what was their word for "work." Their response was they have no word for work. Everybody does the things that they do in their life. I love that response. I don't differentiate between work and play. Everything I do is something that I enjoy doing - the writing, the research and everything else."

Seymour Simon writes and photographs nature from his hilltop home in Columbia County in upstate New York. You can follow his daily nature walks and see his photographs from the field on Twitter (@seymoursimon) or on his Facebook group page. He also regularly hosts Q&As and sponsors book giveaways on GoodReads.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Photos and Great Facts about Big Cats, May 18, 2000

By 

Joelle (Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Cats (Paperback)

Seymour Simon's book "Big Cats" is wonderful introduction for children to the world of the big cats. Children will love the huge, full-colour photographs of these gorgeous felines as they learn about lions, leopards, tigers and more. Written in terms that the young can quickly comprehend, this book presents interesting insights into these cats of the wild and makes learning about these animals a delight.

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great Seymour Simon early childhood science picture book, March 24, 2011

By 

Assoc For Natural Psych "world of nature" (Newark, NJ) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Big Cats (Paperback)

Seymour Simon has consistently interesting early childhood nature/science books for childern. This is another example of a topic sure to intrigue the most die-hard video game addicted first grader. This will hold the interest of most boys. Very good information and pictures on he big cats, African lions, cheetahs, tigers, etc. Good educational tool to help children to put all the pieces together of animals they already have some knowledge about. Teachers and parents can use the pictures as a springboard for children's artwork. Nice book, like all of Seymour Simon books that I've seen.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great pictures, January 7, 2008

By 

J. Baughman (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Big Cats (Paperback)

As a teacher I'm always on the look out for books that my boys will like. They love animal stories like this one and Seymour's alligator book.