Disneynature's "Bears" Trailer

Disneynature will release their latest documentary to coincide with Earth Day, Bears, on April 18 2014. Check out the trailer below.

"Eye on the Wild" Book Series: Lion and Brown Bear by Suzi Eszterhas

The two latest books featured in the Eye on the Wild series by Suzi Eszterhas, Lion and Brown Bear, are now available from France Lincoln Children's Books. Like the previous four books, featuring Sea Otter, Cheetah, Gorilla and Orangutan, the Lion and Brown Bear books focus on the young offspring of the animals and follow their lives until they enter adulthood and can fend for themselves.

For instance, the Lion cubs are looked after exclusively by their mothers and do not even meet their fathers until they are a few months old. At the same time, the cubs are also introduced to their younger cousins and other members of the extended family, known as a pride. One of the most charming photographs depicts the mother lion carrying her young cub in her mouth, without hurting the youngster, of course. 

The image above of the Brown Bear above is amusing and makes it difficult to believe that it can grow to weigh upwards of a thousand pounds and possess immense strength. Other photographs show the bear cubs playing together, learning to catch fish and lounging on mom, who does not seem to mind. Like the previous four books, the final page of Lion and Brown Bear is devoted to interesting facts about the animals and helps to enhance the learning experience, especially for younger readers, who the books are geared towards. Indeed, the excellent photography and the easy to read nature of the Eye on the Wild series makes learning fun for children, while also educating them on the precarious nature of the continued existence of certain species. 

For additional information about the Eye on the Wild series, go here. 
Visit Frances Lincoln books here. 
You can read my review of the four aforementioned books here. 

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.