Safari in South Africa (Adventures of Riley) - Hardcover

Award-winning visuals, thrilling storylines, child-friendly fact boxes and cutting-edge science distinguish this landmark new series as a pioneer in Environmental Education for children.

Endorsed by animal expert Jack Hanna, the Smithsonian Institution, Wildlife Conservation Society and World Wildlife Fund.

PreS-Gr. 4. Combining adventure and science, this picture book uses a fictional framework to bring children important facts about animal conservation. Riley is on safari in South Africa with his uncle, a wildlife scientist, who is counting the predator/prey population. They see baboon, cheetah, giraffe, and other wild creatures, and the double-page spreads combine color photos of the bush with excellent close-up photos of particular animals as well as cartoon illustrations of Riley and the guides in the jeep. There are also boxed insets with fascinating facts quoted from conservation scientists at the Smithsonian and other institutions. The pages are crowded, and there are occasional errors (Afrikaans is misspelled; cats don't lay in the grass), but there's a thrilling sense of being there, with the animals sometimes too close for comfort. Best of all are the photos, including one of a hippo very close-up; and a view of the endangered black rhino brings the conservation message home. Hazel Rochman
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