The Leopard Son: A True Story
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
The Leopard Son chronicles a leopard cub's journey into young adulthood and his painful coming-of-age in the beautiful but brutal Serengeti. The book provides an eye-witness account of the plight of the young in the wild and examines the unique bond between mother and her cub. Predators and prey alike are shown hunting, living, fighting, and sometimes dying violently as they struggle to survive in one of the last, wild and unspoiled places on earth.
Age
7-12
Length
29 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Leopard Son
Mother Leopard
Discussion points
What do you think the Leopard learned throughout his journey?
How did the relationship between the Leopard and his mother change as he grew up?
Why is the environment important for the Leopard’s survival?
What challenges do you think the Leopard faced and how did he overcome them?
If you were the Leopard, what would you have done differently in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the setting by asking them to describe what the savannah might look like, sound like, and feel like.
Ask your child how they felt during key moments in the story to help them connect emotionally with the characters.
Discuss the Leopard's decisions and actions, and relate them to real-life situations that your child might encounter.
Use the story as a starting point to talk about wildlife conservation and why it's important to protect animals and their habitats.
After reading, watch a documentary or look up facts about leopards to reinforce learning and deepen the connection with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The Leopard Son follows the life of a young leopard growing up in the wild, learning to hunt and survive despite numerous challenges. The story portrays the leopard’s journey from dependence to independence.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles in their own lives, whether in schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: Throughout the book, the relationship between the leopard and its mother shows the significance of familial support. The mother leopard teaches and protects her cub, guiding him until he can fend for himself.
Real-World Application: This can emphasize to children the value of family relationships and the support they provide in our personal growth and survival.
Example Lesson: Adaptation to Change
Explanation: As seasons change in the wild, the young leopard learns to adapt to different environments and circumstances for survival.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adapting to new situations, such as moving to a new place or adjusting to changes in family or school environments.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The narrative shows the leopard interacting with its natural habitat, portraying a respectful and symbiotic relationship with nature.
Real-World Application: This can help instill a sense of environmental responsibility in children, encouraging them to take care of their surroundings and be aware of their impact on the earth.
Example Lesson: Courage and Curiosity
Explanation: The young leopard’s journey is filled with moments of courage as he explores the unknown and faces various threats.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the virtues of curiosity and courage, encouraging them to explore, learn, and not shy away from challenges.