In this book you walk through the stages of saving the Snow Leopards in Mongolia. It talks about the cultures of the Mongolia people and how they could have a factor in the endangerment of these leopards. In order to help the leopard scientist had to first find them and monitor them trying to pin point the reason for the decrease in the population. This is a book for children interested in science and animals. ( )

The text focuses on McCarthy’s collection of data and the author’s narrative during a three-week expedition. The informative telling of the collection of scat, the tenuous hikes and their interactions with the local population maneuvers the story through the harsh conditions of Mongolia. Interspersed throughout Montgomery’s account are McCarthy’s recitations of his scare encounters with snow leopards. Insets provide facts about snow leopards and Mongolia’s people, history and culture. The illustrated map at the beginning of the text gives the audience a glimpse of the snow leopard in a global view. Bishop’s photographs capture the generosity of the Mongolian people, the determination of McCarthy and the commitment of the team to their project with charm and detail. The book is not a convenient size but it suits the contents. Readers will gather a sense of the devotedness that the members of Snow Leopard Trust carry with them as well as a glimpse of what these elusive creatures are like.

School Library Journal Best Book of 2009
A NSTA/CBS Outstanding Science Trade Book for 2010
2009 Booklists's editors' list of the Top 10 Environmental Titles for Youth ( )

MSBA Nominee 2010-2011

Snow leopards? Mongolia? What could be better? ( )

This beautifully woven photographic essay paints a picture of one man's journey through Mongolia in search of the elusive snow leopard. Not only does the reader learn of the snow leopard itself, but also of the Mongolian people and culture, the landscape, and other animals involved in their ecosystem. The pictures make the words of the text resonate off the page to provide an intimate look into the world of the snow leopard and the Mongolian people. In particular, this book follows the tracks of two previously studied snow leopards named Blue and Yellow, including individual pictures of each. ( )

Well written with pictures from the expedition. It reads a bit like a journal, chronologically from the beginning of the trip to the end. Scattered throughout are facts about the snow leopard and Mongolia. ( )