Moto and Me - by Suzi Eszterhas (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Moto and Me tells the remarkable firsthand story of wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas's care for an orphaned baby serval--a small, spotted wildcat--in Kenya. When a grass fire separates the serval from his family, a ranger asks Suzi, who is living in a bush camp and is skilled with animals, to be the serval's foster mom.

The book chronicles Suzi's tender care of Moto, including how she feeds, bathes, and plays with him, and helps him develop hunting skills. Her goal is to help him learn how to survive on his own in the wild. After 6 months, he is ready to leave--a difficult good-bye, but exactly what Suzi had worked for. Stunning photography illustrates this touching and rare wildlife rescue story.

Review Quotes

"[Suzi Eszterhas's] passion for wild animals is, as always, evident and contagious. There's no way to describe the color photographs other than: SQUEEEE...! Highly recommended for ages 7 to 10."-- "Ingram"

"A model of narrative nonfiction for the elementary-age audience...an encouraging example of wildlife rescue and release with guaranteed child appeal."-- "Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW"

"A tender and heartwarming account that's certain to delight children, especially animal lovers."-- "School Library Journal"

"Photos of Moto, both as a fluffy-faced baby and an active, handsome adult, are the clear scene-stealers, but plenty of interesting facts on servals are included. More than one reader will consider following in Eszterhas' footsteps."-- "Booklist"

"Such a good idea for a book and such wonderful writing... I can't imagine how any kid could resist at least thumbing through the pages."--Betsy Bird "A Fuse #8 Production (SLJ)"

"Tender...a vibrant, small-scale comeback story."-- "Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW"

"The book has wonderful photos. The photos definitely would tell the tale to a young nonreader. It would be a wonderful book to read to a child."-- "Friends Journal"

"This appealing wildlife story is told with authentic detail by a talented author/photographer with expert credentials... Highly Recommended."-- "Canadian Review of Materials"

"This fascinating book should capture readers of all ages and promote valuable discussion regarding wildlife rescue. It is highly recommended for school library collections."-- "Resource Links"

"Woven throughout the story are facts about servals and their natural environment, and the photography is stunning."-- "Ithaca Child Magazine"

"3rd grade and up will find this delightful."-- "Kiss The Book"

About the Author

Suzi Eszterhas is an award-winning wildlife photographer who is passionate about helping wildlife and has even participated firsthand in the rescue of several animals! Her photographs have been published as over 100 magazine cover and feature stories in publications around the world, including National Geographic Kids, Ranger Rick, and TIME. When not in the field, she lives in Petaluma, California.