Gorilla Walk

From Publishers Weekly The Lewins' first collaboration recounts their 1997 journey to southern Uganda to view mountain gorillas. Before taking readers along on their expedition, the authors explain the phenomenon of ecotourism that makes such sightings possible: trackers spend up to two years habituating mountain gorillas to the presence of humans. Writing in the present tense, the Lewins emphasize the rough conditions, noting that "the heat and humidity are dreadful" and, though their water supply is depleted, they trudge on, "caked with mud, our hearts pounding from exertion, our faces sucked in from dehydration, our hair matted down with sweat." The recounting of the first sighting of a mountain gorilla is curiously flat; the authors note that "our thirst and fatigue are forgotten," but they don't communicate excitement, much less exhilaration. The watercolor art alternates between labeled, sketchbook-type images and full-spread, realistic paintings rendered with an appreciation for light and shadow. The former offer a solid overview of the area's wildlife and illustrate selected moments in the Lewins' travelogue, while the latter situate readers at the trekkers' side. But the art disappoints in the encounters with the gorillas: the images of these animals are the least defined. Readers may come away with the feeling that one really had to be there to appreciate it. Ages 6-up. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From School Library Journal Grade 4 Up-This gorgeous book is the illustrated journal of the Lewins' trip to Uganda to see the mountain gorilla. An introduction talks about this endangered species, where the animals can be found, and describes the process of "habituation," which allows for ecotourists to visit them on a limited basis. Each page is rich with captioned, border drawings that offer glimpses at the terrain, animals, and people that the couple encountered on their difficult journey through the jungle, battling heat, bugs, and mud. Side drawings show their progress, providing humorous asides, such as the drawing of two men falling down a muddy slope with the caption, "Ted takes out a porter." Interspersed with the text are lush, watercolor double-page spreads showing the humans walking through the sun-dappled trees, and, later, the gorillas among the leaves. Readers learn about the animals' habits, their family structure, and how trackers interact with them. A final section gives facts about mountain gorillas. Throughout, the authors transmit their wonder and respect for the creatures. Although young children may be interested in leafing through and "reading" the pictures, the book's tone and vocabulary speak to more mature readers. This is a visual feast for the older set who don't often have picture books written for them, suitable for reports, but especially for browsers with an interest in ecology, animals, or travel.