Portraits from the Wild
Written by Katie Cotton, Illustrated by Stephen Walton
“When you look at a picture of an animal, whether it is a photograph, a painting, or as in this wonderful book, a drawing, words seem unnecessary….But, this book is different. It is not only showing us a lion, elephants, zebras and turtles, but it is also asking us to count them.” — Virginia McKenna, from the Foreward
With a strong environmental message, Counting Lions is a beautifully crafted counting book starting with 1 lion and ending with 10 zebras. The illustrations, done in charcoal, are so life-like; you seem to be looking at a photograph. The short poetic passages that accompany each illustration are done in orange for a contrast. The love the creators of this book have for the world’s animals is so obvious and all are actively involved in organizations to protect them. Their dedication shows in the pages of this book, and hopefully the reader will feel the same way.
Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6 or anyone who loves animals
Counting Lions: Portraits from the Wild
Written by Katie Cotton, Illustrated by Stephen Walton
Candlewick Press
40 pages
Release Date: October 13, 2015
The illustrations in this book are incredible.