Little Panda: The World Welcomes Hua Mei at the San Diego Zoo

Amazon.com

The world rejoices each time a rare giant panda is born. When tiny Hua Mei was born on August 21, 1999, her caregivers gave her extra protection from any potential dangers. For the first weeks of her life, this baby could be viewed only with a camera in her den at the San Diego Zoo. She and her mother, Bai Yun, spent the time bonding--panda papas have nothing to do with the raising of their cubs. Gradually, as Hua Mei grew bigger and stronger, she began to play and eat on her own, and the world was finally allowed to see her when she was about five months old.

Who can resist the allure of a cuddly baby panda? Joanne Ryder, author of many popular books about creatures great and small, including Earthdance, traces the young life of a panda with minimal text and many remarkable photos from the Zoological Society of San Diego. Curious readers will learn that, at birth, panda cubs are more than 800 times smaller than their mothers and that they are blind for the first few months of life. Parents and kids will love reading this book together and contemplating the parallels between fragile panda cubs and human babies. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

She's the first giant panda cub ever to survive in captivity in the Western Hemisphere. There are fewer than one thousand giant pandas left in the world, making Hua Mei's birth at the World-Famous San Diego Zoo in August 1999 a cause for celebration.

In Little Panda, filled with exclusive photographs from the zoo, Hua Mei's first year is chronicled as she grows quickly from a tiny infant into a curious cub. Ever ready to play a game of tag with Mama or bravely explore new territory, Hua Mei will charm readers of all ages.

Acclaimed author Joanne Ryder perfectly captures the spirit and playfulness of this endangered animal while teaching readers about the life and plight of the giant panda.

Customer Reviews:

Panda baby.......2007-07-08

This book with its beautiful real-life illustrations would be a great one to give a child as a gift. It would acquaint him or her with the life process of a baby panda's first year. The words and sentences are short and readable for a child in the early grades. It would also be a good read-aloud book for someone with a small child who loves to be read to. I highly recommend it.

Nice factual book for 4-6 year olds.......2007-01-15

My daughter is panda-crazy, so we purchased this book as a Christmas present. It was everything we hoped it would be: nice overview of panda development leveled for kindergarten/first grade readers. It has straighforward text for younger readers, coupled with more detailed information for older readers. With my 3 year old son, we read the straight text; with my 5 year old daughter we read the little detail blurbs as well. It has lovely photos and since it deals with a baby panda it was a huge hit with my kids. I would recommend this to anyone with kids who love pandas, or anyone looking to add science/nature books to their pre-school/kindergarten collection. Additionally, I would recommend Emperor's Egg, which deals in a similar way with penguins, although it uses illustrations rather than photos.

If you didn't love Pandas before this book, you will now!.......2005-07-15

The photos in this book are absolutely amazing! Starting with Hua Mei's 1st teeny tiny black & white photo camera that had been installed inside the panda den, and the book ending 1 year later. I can't say enough about the photos!

This is the 1st year in the life of Hua Mei and is pronounced Hwa May. In China, one name can mean different thing and Hua Mei's means Splended Beauty AND China-USA. The birth of Hua Mei in 1999 in the San Diego Zoo connects both China, the country where pandas roam and here in the Us where she lives.

This is one of those books that grows with it's young reader! The author Joanne Ryder lots of information on each page. There is a big bold font that tells the story and then a smaller not so small font that gives additional information! I just can not say enought wonderful words about this book! A definate book to have in your home library!

Beautiful and educational.......2001-03-22

I'll be perfectly honest: I love following Hua Mei's story at the San Diego Zoo web site. I'm a complete sucker for panda stories. So I was pleased to finally see a more permanent record of Hua Mei's first year.

While I bought this book for the photographs (which are plentiful, large, and beautiful), this book should also appeal to children and parents because of its text (or perhaps I should say "texts"). The author has written two parallel texts: one fairly simple and straightforward for younger readers, printed in large type, and a slightly more complex one in smaller type, giving more detailed information about pandas. By creating a book that appeals to more than one reading level, Ms. Ryder has given us a book that parents will be able to share with their young children as they grow older and learn to read.

Book Description

Explore the life and habitat of this legendary bear.

The Spirit Bear is a unique subspecies of the North American black bear. It's neither a polar bear nor an albino, but a black bear that's white.

Named the Spirit Bear by Native American tradition, which held that white bears were to be revered and protected, it is also known as the Kermode bear. It is found only in remote regions of British Columbia which, until recently, were in danger of being logged. The official mammal of the province, the Spirit Bear's peaceful nature and stunning beauty make it an important presence.

About the series: Through full color wildlife photography and engaging text, Diane Swanson continues her acclaimed Welcome to the World of... series, which contains nearly 30 titles and inspires, fascinates and educates children.

Average customer rating:

Bears (Welcome to the World of Animals)
Diane Swanson
Manufacturer: Gareth Stevens Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Bears are amazing animals. This book captures them through color photographs and intriguing information by Diane Swanson.

Polar bears can ski -- scooting down slopes on all four feet,
Grizzlies can run faster that cars are allowed to travel in towns,
Lazy black bears sometimes fish lying down -- they dangle a paw in the water and when a fish swims by, they scoop it out.

About the series: Each book in the Welcome to the World of Series introduces children to wildlife through color photographs, lively description and amazing facts.

Average customer rating:

Welcome Home Little Bear
Maurice Jones
Manufacturer: Barrons Juveniles
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0764150812

Customer Reviews:

Great info on corkscrews, not much on openers........1999-01-23

If you are looking for a short and concise book on corkscrews, this deserves a look. If, like me, you are looking for a book on bottle openers this is NOT the one.

Average customer rating:

Could this book rock any harder?

Informatively written, superbly presented

Great reference book for coastal Carolinas

Growing a Beautiful Garden: A Landscape Guide for the Coastal Carolinas
Henry, Jr. Rehder
Manufacturer: Banks Channel Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Flowers | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Landscape | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Regional | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books | Canada | Middle Atlantic | Midwest | New England | Pacific Northwest | South | Southwest | West
Similar Items:

Gardening in the Coastal South

Garden Perennials for the Coastal South

Month-by-Month Gardening in the Carolinas: Revised Edition: What to Do Each Month To Have a Beautiful Garden All Year (Month-By-Month Gardening in the Carolinas)

Creating a Beautiful Landscape --Henry Rehder's Daily Guide (Lifestyles (Coastal Carolina))

Month-by-month Gardening In The Carolinas

ASIN: 0963596799
Release Date: 1997-03-01

Product Description

The coastal Carolinas are blessed with a long growing season, warm ocean breezes, and abundant rainfall. But there are challenges, too -- extreme summer heat and acidic soil among them. In this first guide to tidewater Carolina gardening, complete with over 120 full-color photos, Henry Rehder, Jr. shows how to cultivate plants that not only survive under these conditions, but thrive and remain attractive year-round.

Customer Reviews:

Could this book rock any harder?.......2002-01-01

I love this book! I picked it up at the library and had to buy a copy of my very own. Detailed, month-by-month directions for caring for the best southern plants. I highly suggest this for anyone in the south for easy to use, definitive directions for keeping your plants happy and healthy.
Go Will Rehder, Jr.!

Informatively written, superbly presented.......2001-01-11

Profusely illustrated with more than one hundred color photographs by Freda H. Wilkins, Henry Rehder's Growing A Beautiful Garden: A Landscape Guide For The Coastal Carolinas is an informatively written, superbly presented, "reader friendly" compendium of horticultural advice and insights for establishing a flourishing and esthetically pleasing regional garden landscape. Gardening expert Rehder offers a wealth of practical ideas and suggestions for choosing and maintaining plants that will thrive under coastal conditions and offers a step-by-step, month-by-month guide for more than a hundred ornamental shrubs, trees, perennials, and lawngrasses. Very highly recommended for personal and professional gardening, landscaping, and horticultural reference collections, Growing A Beautiful Garden also covers the mechanics of plant installation, weeds, insects, diseases, animal pests, and fertilizers.

Great reference book for coastal Carolinas.......1999-03-28

I was excited to see a book published that was specific to the coastal area of the Carolinas. The book contains information on all of the most common landscape plants used in the area including a month by month guide to the care for each species. It has been very helpful to me in planning and caring for my "garden."

Average customer rating:

4 1/2 stars. Poetic prose
So good I read it twice
A good read
Rambling and Uneventful
A Sure Winner

A Garden to Keep
Jamie Langston Turner
Manufacturer: Bethany House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Popular Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Book Clubs | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 076422154X
Release Date: 2001-08-01

Book Description

Elizabeth’s story is like that of a garden left untended for too long, with weeds as bounteous as blossoms and stone walkways buried beneath tangled vines and daffodils. Beauty to be found, though amidst much neglect. When betrayal strikes at the heart of her very existence, Elizabeth Landis retraces the path of her life and her marriage, discovering along the way memories both painful to the touch and a joy to embrace. Pruning the garden of her life requires an honesty new to Elizabeth, but offers the promise of mercy…and perhaps even a grace to bestow.

Customer Reviews:

4 1/2 stars. Poetic prose.......2004-08-05

I truly felt moved by this novel. The language of the novel is rich and evocative and the book to me wasn't long, but complex. Don't read this if you don't want a longer novel you can involve yourself with. Too many novels now skimp on details and this one is a wonderful, brave exception to the rule. If you want to immerse yourself in the story of one woman's road to recovery from heartbreak and her move into life, then you will like this.

Yes, Langston Turner is verbose writer but it is all in keeping with the character, a woman seeking answers from God, from her conscience and who is flawed but learning. Elizabeth's conversion, her marriage, her role as Mother and teacher are all covered with depth. I like that Elizabeth is a mature woman learnign to rectify her mistakes and opening herself up to different experiences. I also loved that this book is about POETRY. While I don't go around quoting poems frequently, I am the kind of person who loves them deeply and could relate to how Elizabeth uses words to shape her life. I've never before read a 'Christian' novel but the artistry of ths novel convinced me that it is possible to send out that message in the modern world and also write something literary.

So good I read it twice.......2004-05-01

I bought this book on a fluke from the used book section figuring if nothing else, it would make nice bookshelf filler. It is now one of my favorite all-time books.
For one thing, I like the fact that the protaganist is nearly 50, and is still creative, intelligent, and witty in a quiet way. I feel it is very rare to see vibrant characters over the age of 35. A lot of books, both Christian and secular, focus on building a character's value through her good looks or sitcom- wit. Reading through Elizabeth's eyes made me really crave art and music. I enjoy the way Turner puts words together. When she spoke of a poem "flying," or words "shimmering," I had an urge to go read some poetry. Love of art wasn't the main point of the book, but it was a nice little bonus.
I also enjoyed this book because it included such a varied menagerie of characters. I liked reading about her matter-of-fact lawyer daughter just as much as I enjoyed reading about her funky accross-the-street neighbor.
Though Turner endows Elizabeth with a great deal of depth, it is irritating that she meanders so much throughout the novel. The highly developed character development an insightful storytelling made that forgivable for me, but the rambling may get on some people's nerves.
I am glad that Elizabeth spent some time reviewing her own mistakes. She was a woman who had been sorely betrayed, but she also let God show her where she had made mistakes. The most fascinating part of the story was going with the main character as she learned new things about herself.
I am very glad I got this book, and plan on reading more of Turner's novels.

A good read.......2003-03-23

The book does ramble, but I enjoyed the ramblings. I didn't like all the characters necessarily or even understand why some were part of the story. However, it was an enjoyable book and she uses some great imagery.

Rambling and Uneventful.......2003-02-27

I have never read another book of JLT's. I don't normally finish a book if it hasn't caught my interest within the first few chapters, but I decided to give this one more of a chance since it won the Christie Award. I truly wish I hadn't wasted my time. In the words of the first reviewer, it was "a long, rambling first-person account". This was the LONGEST book I have ever read. It just seemed to never end. And, the poetry excerpts and long-winded accounts made the story seem to drag on even more. I don't know too many people who want to read about poetry when they are reading a book of fiction.

The plot overall, was a good one. It just could have been over in ten pages, versus 350.

A Sure Winner.......2002-10-22

This book recently won a "Christie Award" in Christian fiction for contemporary fiction. It concerns a middle-aged woman who comes to faith in Christ and learns on the same day that her marriage is in trouble.

Turner takes literary risks, here, in writing a long, rambling first-person account of a woman dealing with betrayal as she's also learning to trust in Christ. The does, indeed, drag in parts and the protagonist is frequently sidetracked by bunny trails and poetic thoughts, however it's good to see a writer, and especially Turner, going beyond the standard cliches used by so many other authors.

Book Description

From the amazing North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville to the wonderous Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, this full-color guide presents the beauty of tourist gardens in the Tarheel State. Explore the majestic Elizabethan Garden in Manteo. Wander the historic gardens of North Carolina's first capitol at Tryon Palace. Find natural beauty near an urban setting at Wing Haven Gardens in Charlotte. The gardens are organized by region and surveyed individually, with visitor information, directions, hours, and major attractions for each.

Complete Charleston: A Guide to the Architecture, History and Gardens of Charleston

Average customer rating:

Mixed Feelings
Color photos would make this a better book!
Complete Charleston 2007-2008: A Guide to the Architecture, History, Gardens and Food
The only way to "experience" Charleston
Simply the best!

Complete Charleston: A Guide to the Architecture, History and Gardens of Charleston
Margaret H. Moore
Manufacturer: TM Photography Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0966014405

Book Description

"Complete Charleston" has walking tours of eleven historic neighborhoods plus day trips to Savannah, Beaufort, Georgetown, McClellanville, Brookgreen Gardens and the plantations on the Ashley River. The book also includes a restaurant guide for Charleston, the center of New Southern Cuisine. There are over 400 photographs, an index and a bibliography. The book will introduce you to the history, heroes, eccentrics and ghosts that make Charleston what it is today.

Customer Reviews:

Mixed Feelings.......2007-10-05

I have mixed feelings regarding this book. It is well written; obviously well researched. I like Charleston-I lived there from 1957-1975; and I majored in History in college and I like restaurants. But, (and you knew that was coming) this book is for architect buffs and foodies who love that old Charleston feeling. So, if you are a first time visitor wanting hotel information, easy to read restaurant reviews, shopping and tour suggestions, look elsewhere. Besides, beauty is in the eye of the beholder-and I would disagree with some of their opinions.

Color photos would make this a better book!.......2007-08-13

I really thought this would be a prettier book. The black and white photos don't do this book any favors. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of black and white photography, but it's not what is needed for this guide.
Other than that,I can't wait to get started on all the suggested walking tours!

Complete Charleston 2007-2008: A Guide to the Architecture, History, Gardens and Food.......2007-06-10

The book was extremely informative while visiting Charleston and the surrounding area, including plantations. It made the visit an educational experience. Good book!

The only way to "experience" Charleston.......2007-04-02

The Moore's updated "Complete Charleston" is an invaluable resource for visiting this history-rich city. The updated guide provides an easy-to-use book for those who are adventurous and want to explore a city by walking neighborhoods and "smelling the flowers". Their guide provides the history of many of Charleston's buildings, homes and gardens as well as side trips to other locations within one day of Charleston. The well researched restaurant guide is also a must for those who want to taste Charleston's world famous cuisine .
To "experience" the ambiance of Charleston, their guide is the best!
T & C Power

Simply the best!.......2007-04-02

This guide to architecture, history, gardens and now food, is quite simply the best there is. It is well organized and beautifully written. Truman Moore's superb photographs are not just of pretty facades. but of some of the city's most interesting and little known architectural details. The addition of restaurant reviews makes this edition absolutely essential. Margaret Moore is a sharp critic of good food,but equally sensitive to the ambience of a restaurant. I would go anywhere with them.

A Century of American Sculpture: Treasures from Brookgreen Gardens

Average customer rating:

an excellent book about a gorgeous place.

A Century of American Sculpture: Treasures from Brookgreen Gardens

Manufacturer: Abbeville Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Museums & Collections | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

an excellent book about a gorgeous place........2000-02-05

Brookgreen Gardens is an outdoors public sculpture garden and wildlife preserve near Myrtle Beach, S.C. Begun by a wealty businessman and his sculptor wife to showcase her work, it expanded during the Depression by buying other works, to help support other artists. This book has wonderful pictures and descriptions of some of the collection. There are works by artists we are all familiar with, it's an enjoyable book and the next best thing to going there yourself.

Average customer rating:

Guide to the Gardens of South Carolina
Lilly Pinkas
Manufacturer: Pineapple Press (FL)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Garden Design | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Guide to the Gardens of South Carolina is part history lesson, part visitors guide and part horticultural treatise

Lilly Pinkas explores the histories of the most magnificent plantation houses, antebellum mansions, and townhouses, where fragrant flowers burst forth in every color of the rainbow. Amid centuries-old live oaks, azaleas, camellias, magnolias, and crape myrtles mingle with evergreen boxwood hedges and native ferns. You'll visit specialty gardens such as a 1670 experimental crop garden; biblical, swamp, purple, and Xeriscape gardens; herb gardens; topiary and sculpture gardens; and lusciously fragrant rose gardens. Other fascinating features include a butterfly house, a bamboo grove, a swan lake, a reconstructed settlers' village, nature train rides, and small zoos that house animals native to specific areas in previous centuries. A full-color section featuring Joseph Pinkas's gorgeous photographs of some of the gardens, as well as gentle illustrations by artist Frank Lohan, add to the charm and usefulness of this guide.

Average customer rating:
Squash 'n Such. A Vegetable Garden Guide for South Carolina and Georgia
Junior League of Columbia
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JOLGAU

Average customer rating:
Pocket Savannah & Charleston: Including a Midnight In the Garden of Good & Evil Tour (1998)
Fodor's
Manufacturer: Fodor's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
East South Central | South | Regions | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
South Atlantic | South | Regions | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
General | Georgia | States | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
Savannah | Georgia | States | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
General | South Carolina | States | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
Charleston | South Carolina | States | United States | Travel | Subjects | Books
North America | Travel | Subjects | Books
General | Travel | Subjects | Books
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Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

The Best Little Map of Savannah, GA.

Frommer's Portable Savannah (Frommer's Portable)

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

The Best Little Map of Charleston, S.C.

ASIN: 0679002243
Release Date: 1997-12-29

Book Description

The best of Savannah, Charleston, and the Golden Isles
The homes and haunts of colorful Savannah eccentrics featured in the best-selling Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil-- with an excerpt from the novel
Charleston's lovingly preserved historic district, harbor mansions, antebellum churches, and Old City Market
Side trips to Georgia's subtropical Golden Isles and wildlife-rich Okefenokee swamp
10 pages of maps locating restaurants, hotels, and sights

Where to stay and eat, no matter what your budget
Grand hotels, modern motels, town-house inns, and cozy B&Bs
Dining with local flavor and international flair--hot and spicy BBQ joints and hearty neighborhood cafés

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