The lion queens of India

What is most apparent in this excellent narrative nonfiction book is the author's warm admiration for Rashila Vadher, the Forest Guard, and the lions themselves. By the end of the book, readers will feel like they have made a new friend and learned a great deal about lions, the environment in which they live, and the connections between all living things. Rashila earned her nickname--Lion Queen--when she became the first female forest guard in India, where she works in the Gir Forest. Rashila and the other Lion Queens patrol the forest every day, tracking lions, watching for poachers, and rescuing and treating injured animals. Photographs of the lions, the people who coexist near the forest, and the landscape bring this important story home so readers can clearly see how they are all connected. The importance of the women's work is highlighted consistently, especially in the back matter. A book like this can inspire inquiry projects in classrooms or simply be enjoyed for its content.

Gr 1--3--The Gir National Park in Gujarat, India, is a sanctuary for the last remaining Asiatic lions in the world. Once nearly extinct, they now number close to 600 and are part of the natural cycle of life in the well-guarded reserve. An all-women group of park rangers, known as the "Lion Queens," protect the big cats from poachers, rescue them after accidents, and ensure their well-being. Rashila Vadher, the first woman to be appointed a park ranger at the sanctuary, describes working with the lions. Vadher and her fellow rangers also work closely with local villagers to offer education on the coexistence of lions and townspeople. Simple language and many photographs provide a clear picture of life among lions, although little is said of the dangers posed by poachers. The success of the sanctuary also presents additional problems as the lions outnumber the space provided. Vadher and her colleagues are working to acquire additional parkland to protect future generations of these magnificent animals. VERDICT A rare, positive look at saving a species from extinction aimed at younger readers. A useful resource for young children interested in big cats and suitable for classroom units.--Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling Sch., Pawling, NY

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary's first female forest ranger and original "Lion Queen," Rashila Vadher, narrates this compelling introduction to her life's work. The sanctuary is home to more than five hundred Asiatic lions -- the only wild population left in the world -- and a key part of the Lion Queens' mission is raising awareness about the plight of this endangered species, which faced near-extinction in the early 1900s. Reynolds's effectively organized presentation appropriately centers conservation as well. The rangers' duties include patrolling sections of the forest to track lions (and poachers) and providing medical care when necessary. They also work with neighboring villages to educate inhabitants about lions' importance in the forest ecosystem and the necessity of maintaining the "natural balance of the forest." Weighing human and animal needs is a constant for the Lion Queens: "How can humans and animals both thrive, living near each other and competing for the same resources?" Vadher's passion for her work, respect for the lions, and commitment to education come through in the conversational text and many well-chosen photos (some taken by the author); a welcoming page design helps engage readers in the narrative -- which has a lot to offer a wide range of interests. In an author's note, Reynolds talks more about Vadher's experiences and about her own visit to the sanctuary. A bibliography is appended. Kitty Flynn January/February 2021 p.134(c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The photography-driven book tells the story of an all-women animal rescue team working in India's Gir National Park, the world's last known habitat for Asiatic lions. The book is narrated by Rashila, who declares, "I love lions," and who became the first woman forest guard at Gir in her early 20s, earning the moniker "Lion Queen." Subsequently, several other women have been hired as guards, hence the title's plural. From fighting poachers to confronting lions, and despite the dangers these women face on a daily basis, they show an unwavering commitment to preserving the wildlife, no matter what it takes. Reynolds' photography (supplemented by others' contributions) is based on fieldwork in Gir in January 2018 as well as interviews and ongoing conversations with sanctuary leadership and workers. The result is a refreshing take on the exotic-animal photo essay, one that centers people of the community rather than white, foreign scientists. Indeed, the only white person in the book can be found in a small photo of the author riding pillion on a motorbike with Rashila. In her author's note, Reynolds describes initially meeting Rashila and then shadowing her through the park. The note also reiterates the text's strong environmental messaging. In addition to profiling these remarkable women, the text is full of lion facts and vocabulary, which make it a solid nonfiction book about animals. Young readers will be inspired by these women who show an unwavering commitment to preserving the wildlife, no matter what it takes. (bibliography) (Informational picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.