"Soon a large face peeked out of the hole. The
father of the pups stared at us before barking
and running out to join Maghogho. He stood up
to warm himself, too, but he kept a watchful eye
on us. We decided to name him Stinky because
he kept giving us the stink eye. Stinky was
pretty new to the mob, so he hadn't been
exposed to humans as much. Stinky would
soon grow to trust us."
As she has done many times before, Suzi Eszterhas uses her formidable talent as a researcher and photographer to create a new book that is sure to engage young readers. Spending two weeks making careful observations about a meerkat mob in the Kalahari Desert allows her to regale readers with stories of each of its members, their personalities, and the way they learn to accept the presence of the humans who are doing the watching.
She is joined by a zoologist assistant named Becky Cliffe, and two local men from Botswana: Villa Moatshe (naturalist guide) and Motto Keitumetse (wildlife habituator). Once settled in their Jack's Camp tent, they are ready to make their way to a large hole in the ground, where they know the meerkats are in residence. They make themselves as small as they can to assure that the mob will not be intimidated by their size. They meet the matriarch, Maghogho, first. As she becomes accustomed to their being close by, the others willingly come into the open.
In journal entries, the author narrates the story of their daily encounters and provides clear, vivid photos of the members of the mob and their acceptance of the visitors, including times when the mother is willing to climb on Suzi's back while her little ones do the same. Watching the family members and the roles they play in the family unit is enlightening and quite marvelous.
The design of the book includes many well-captioned photographs, accessible text, and observations that are sure to appeal at every turn of the page. It is absolutely fascinating, and a terrific introduction to a species that few North American children will recognize.
Be sure to check for A Leopard Diary (Owlkids, 2022).
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