Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains by Justin Anderson, illustrated by Patrick Benson

Periodically, Candlewick releases gorgeous natural science picture books. Some of the original British editions are labeled "Nature Storybooks" but I've never found a complete list of them. I wish they'd label them as a series so I could make sure I had them all! The latest book features a favorite animal of mine (and many others), the rare and beautiful snow leopard.

Justin Anderson, a zoologist and filmmaker, tells the story of his experiences researching snow leopards in the Himalayas, combining months spent filming in the mountains into a beautifully written story. Joining a local guide, he travels into the mountains and is stunned to see a snow leopard, gazing peacefully back at him out of the landscape. They follow her on a hunt, see her reuniting with her almost-grown cubs, and finally have one last glimpse of her, standing alone on a peak and yowling into the sunset.

Like other books in the series, there are more facts set into the illustrations in most pages and an author's afterword that expands on the nonfiction elements, in this case talking about the conservation of the snow leopards. There is also a brief index and two websites.

Benson, illustrator of the beloved classic Owl Babies covers the pages in soft, dusty browns and grays, the golden-eyed snow leopard peering out boldly at the reader. Her luxurious fur glows with the light off the mountains and she's clearly an integral part of her harsh environment.

Verdict: This beautiful picture book introduces the harsh beauty of the Himalayas and the snow leopard that makes its home there in simple but lovely prose. A must-have for your nonfiction picture book collections.

ISBN: 9781536205404; This edition published October 2019 by Candlewick; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library