The "Eye on the Wild" Book Series by Suzi Eszterhas

The Eye on the Wild series of books are geared towards helping children learn about the early years of various animal species, including Cheetahs, Gorillas, Sea Otters and Orangutans. Author and acclaimed wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas captures startling and sometimes heartwarming images of the baby animals as they are readied by their mothers for adulthood and life on their own in the wild. The easy to read books feature beautiful full color photographs as well as interesting information about each species. 

For instance, some animals mature faster than others. Cheetahs are fully grown and ready to be independent at two years of age, while gorillas and orangutans need six years before they are fully prepared. However, baby sea otters only need one year before they are ready for adulthood. 

The patience exhibited by the mothers of the these precious youngsters throughout the four books is admirable. The Cheetah mother allows her cubs to climb over her, even sitting on top of her head, while the Sea Otter mom cuddles with her children to keep them warm and safe. The baby Gorillas and Orangutans also like to stick close to their mothers and are frequently poised on their heads and backs, even while mom is moving around. 

The photography by Suzi Eszterhas is sensational. She captures an important time in the lives of these baby animals who have much to learn in order to be ready to head out on their own in the world, which can be an unforgiving place. Of course, readers (both younger and older) might be too busy smiling over the candid and frequently precious photographs, which include a sea otter shielding its eyes from the harsh sun, baby cheetah cubs "chirping" for food in their nest, a young orangutan scaling a high branch and a baby gorilla playing with her extended family. 

The Eye on the Wild book series (Frances Lincoln Children's Books) is thoroughly enjoyable and serves as a useful educational tool for children. In addition to the text that accompanies each photograph, there is a final page detailing interesting information about each animal species. There are two additional books not included here that feature Lions and Brown Bears.

For additional information about the Eye on the Wild series, go here.