A charming informational text organized as a counting book, How Many Baby Pandas? takes readers through the development stages of a panda from birth until it is weaned at eighteen months. Along the way, award-winning author Susan Markle answers eight essential questions about pandas in the wild and in captivity: “How does a mother panda care for its young?” “How do people help baby pandas grow healthy in captivity?” “What do pandas eat?” Italicized words correspond to the glossary and text boxes emphasize key panda details such as birth weight, diet, and the fact that baby giant pandas do not open their eyes until they are about two months old. Large red colored numbers and questions frame playful and interesting photographs of pandas at Wolong Giant Panda Breeding Center in Sichuan, China. End-notes include a glossary, index, map of the panda’s natural range, resource list, and additional information on the 2008 Sichuan earthquake’s impact on the Wolong Center. The book is appropriate for a wide range of readers. Young children will be naturally drawn to the beautiful photographs as well as the counting challenge and older readers will be able to use the numerous facts for research purposes.
Pandas are highly engaging, adorable animals and this photo-illustrated text fully capitalizes on their appeal to promote a strong message of wildlife conservation and the importance of breeding endangered animals in captivity. In response to the title question: “How many baby pandas live wild and free?” Markle writes “Not enough.” The final photograph features staff members of the Wolong Center holding sixteen panda cubs born in 2005. It’s a hopeful message of a brighter future for one of the world’s most visible and beloved endangered species.
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