Jaguarundi - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 4-An original fantasy that "introduces young readers to a variety of real rain forest animals." As the ecosystem is gradually being tamed by humans who clear the land to build homes, ranches, and farms, Rundi Jaguarundi decides to move north where the great Rio Bravo flows and the forest canopy is still said to exist. He invites Coatimundia and other animals to accompany him. Big Brown Bat decides to stay, advising the others to learn to adapt, because there will always be danger, always be change. Jaguar announces he will not give up his hunting ground-it's him or them. Only Coatimundi decides to go with his friend. When they reach the Rio Bravo, it, too, has been claimed by man, so they continue on separately. Eventually Rundi settles down to raise a family. A picture glossary lists and defines the common animals found in Central and South America. Cooper's paintings convey the misty heat of the tropical habitat. The animals are realistically depicted, but the story and pictures do take liberties with the animal groupings-prey and predator stand together. The strength of this book is in its smooth presentation of cogent reasons for preserving the rain forest and its dwellers. A valuable curriculum item, which will fill many needs.
Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

When Rundi Jaguarundi and Coati Coatimundi, creatures of a threatened rain forest, decide to journey north in search of a more congenial habitat, some animals caution them to stay-"Adapt is what we must do," warns the Big Brown Bat. But no matter how far Rundi and Coati travel, they find more hunters, houses and fences, and Rundi wonders if "north must be farther on." In a preface Hamilton (The People Could Fly) suggests that "the story parallels humans who escape their homelands in search of better, safer lives" and that it includes "a classic symbolism of fleeing North." Despite the weighty themes and despite Cooper's (Brown Honey and Broomwheat Tea) sometimes strikingly handsome artwork and arresting cover, this book is not up to Hamilton's usual standards. The 17 animals included are described in terms of encyclopedia-style tidbits, and their stilted conversations can sound like tracts (Coati and Rundi "go off to a shady spot among the spiny bromeliads"; says Rundi: "The forest canopy is going. I'm afraid we wild animals will go with it."). An endnote profiles each of the cited animals, with special attention given to the plights of the endangered. Ages 5-12.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.