Follow a day in the life of the panda cubs at China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Preserve, the largest research facility for giant pandas in China. Cubs are raised together in a protected setting—dubbed panda kindergarten—where they grow strong and learn skills that will help prepare them to be released into the wild when they are older. With spare text by veteran nonfiction writer Joanne Ryder and irresistible full-color photographs by Katherine Feng, whose work has appeared in National Geographic , Panda Kindergarten will delight young readers as they learn more about these amazing creatures. Supports the Common Core State Standards PreSchool-Grade 1—This inviting book introduces 16 cubs at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at Wolong Nature Reserve. Ryder describes the organization's purpose and procedures to save the animals from extinction, focusing on the reserve's efforts to keep the pandas healthy and safe and placing less emphasis on their primary role as a breeding center, which works well for the intended audience. The author explains that as the pandas grow older, they may be released into the wild or they may stay in the safety of the compound to "have cubs of their own." She also describes how staff members help to care for twins, whereas in the wild, only one baby can survive. Feng's clear and detailed photographs are visual treats, giving readers a glimpse into the feeding and care of the pandas. There's a high cuteness factor as the cubs play, sleep, and interact with caregivers. Additional facts about giant pandas are appended, but are almost hidden on the CIP page. The colorful photography and smooth text pair well for a quick, instructive read-a-loud.— Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. “Feng’s clear and detailed photographs are visual treats, giving readers a glimpse into the feeding and care of the pandas. There’s a high cuteness factor as the cubs play, sleep, and interact with caregivers.” ―School Library Journal - School Library Journal “Simple yet informative, the text compares [the pandas’] group activities to those of children as they play, explore their world, eat, and nap. . . . A fine choice for preschool and primary science units.” ―ALA Booklist - ALA Booklist Follow a day in the life of the panda cubs at China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Preserve, the largest research facility for giant pandas in China. Cubs are raised together in a protected setting—dubbed panda kindergarten—where they grow strong and learn skills that will help prepare them to be released into the wild when they are older. With spare text by veteran nonfiction writer Joanne Ryder and irresistible full-color photographs by Katherine Feng, whose work has appeared in National Geographic , Panda Kindergarten will delight young readers as they learn more about these amazing creatures. Supports the Common Core State Standards Joanne Ryder has always loved pandas, starting with the very first small panda toy she had as a child. She has continued to be fascinatd by these rare and wonderful animals throughout her career as a writer. She is the award-winning author of numerous picture books, including A Pair of Polar Bears: Twin Cubs Find a Home at the San Diego Zoo ; Little Panda: The World Welcomes Hua Mei at the San Diego Zoo ; My Mother's Voice ; My Father's Hands ; Big Bear Ball ; and Wild Birds . She lives in Pacific Grove, California, with her husband, Laurence Yep, who is also an author. Dr. Katherine Feng was a veterinarian before a photo safari to Kenya inspired her to pursue a second career as a photographer and tour escort. When she traveled to China in 1982 for a memorial ceremony in honor of her grandfather, General Feng Yuxiang, she felt an immediate connection with the country. Her passion for wildlife brought her to the Wolong Nature Reserve, where she formed a long-lasting bond with the pandas and researchers. She now escorts guests to the Reserve several times each year. Dr. Feng lives in Durango, Colorado.