A Boy and a Jaguar - by Alan Rabinowitz (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Speaking for the animals he loves gives one boy's life hope, purpose, and truth in this gorgeous picture book autobiography.

Alan loves animals, but the great cat house at the Bronx Zoo makes him sad. Why are they all alone in empty cages? Are they being punished? More than anything, he wants to be their champion--their voice--but he stutters uncontrollably.

Except when he talks to animals...then he is fluent.

Follow the life of the man Time Magazine calls, "the Indiana Jones of wildlife conservation" as he searches for his voice and fulfills a promise to speak for animals, and people, who cannot speak for themselves. This real-life story with tender illustrations by Catia Chien explores truths not defined by the spoken word.

Publishers Weekly Best Book
Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2015
Winner of the 2015 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award
2015 Green Earth Book Honor book

Review Quotes

"This book made me cry tears of sympathy, and joy. You and I are this boy; You and I are this jaguar."
--Sherman Alexie, National Book Award winner for The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian "This true story of a promise kept is for everyone - no matter what age - to read and share."
--Sy Montgomery, Sibert Medal Winner for Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot "A beautiful book that will inspire stutterers to succeed and make a positive difference in the world."
--Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation * "In his first book for children, conservationist and adult author Rabinowitz frames his lifelong struggle with stuttering against his equally long-held love of animals...Iit's a candid and deeply resonant account of a hard-fought battle against societal stigma, and an embrace of one's true talent and calling."
--Publisher's Weekly, starred review * "Moving and sweetly resonant."
--Kirkus, starred review "The emotional resonance of the text, urgency of the issues discussed, and breathtakingly breautiful illustrations make this book a winner...A testament to the fierce beauty of jaguars and the human spirit."
--School Library Journal

"Readers will feel privileged to be part of this magical experience."
--Booklist

"Kids with speech issues, and those who bond with animals more easily than with fellow humans, will especially relate to Rabinowitz's emotionally honest narrative."
--Bulletin

About the Author

Dr. Alan Rabinowitz is a global leader in the field of big cat preservation and research. He's dedicated his life to two causes: protecting wild cats around the world, and advocating for fellow stutterers. Visit his organization's website at www.panthera.org .

The illustrator Catia Chien lives in Pasadena, California. Visit her website at www.catiachien.com .