Monday, October 21, 2013

Abandoned! A Lion Called Kiki by Wendy Orr -- ADVISABLE

Orr, Wendy Abandoned! A Lion Called Kiki (Rainbow Street Shelter #4), illustrated by Patricia Castelao. 118 pgs. Henry Holt and Company, 2012. $5.99. Content: G.

EL -- ADVISABLE

Soon after 8yo Mona crosses the country to spend the summer with her grandparents, they receive a special delivery: a baby lion who was born too small and abandoned by her mother. Together they must save the cub's life and decide what will become of her. An alternating story line tells about Mona, twenty-five years later, as she revisits her grandparents' house and reflects on the dreams she had as a young child, while also trying to decide what to do with her future.

Should appeal to children who've dreamed of owning a lion or other wild animal, while also showing why such a situation can only be temporary at best. Also gives some background on the shelter's opening, which should interest fans of the series. Some children may find it confusing when the story skips back and forth between 8yo Mona and the current Mona, so some guidance may be necessary.

Reviewer: Caryn.

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