They’re adorable, affectionate with one another, and ferocious–and they’re so hot they have their own reality TV show. I’m not talking about The Hills…I’m talking about The Manor, Meerkat Manor.
Meet the Meerkat, by Darrin Lunde, is a charming introduction to these furry, feisty, fellas for young children. A series of simple questions and answers introduces us to the appearance, habitat, social behaviors, and lunch preferences of these playful critters.
The repetitive question and answer pattern is perfect for older babies learning conversational patterns and younger readers learning to read. The book is illustrated with scientifically accurate drawings so sweet that I would like to frame them.
Although meerkat Machiavellian machinations are worthy of another television family, this new children’s book from Charlesbridge touches only very lightly on some of the more brutal aspects of life in the Kalahari.
Without entirely sanitizing the ever-present danger of predators, the book focuses mainly on how Meerkats are just about the cutest little creatures in the Kalahari–they even like to cuddle with their siblings!
Baby Diva loves hearing about how meerkats “make funny sounds all day long,” just like her!
I wish this book was printed as a board book, however, because I think it is appropriate even younger than the 3-6 age range listed–and my little one is as merciless with her books as a meerkat with a fresh scorpion or millipede.
You can purchase a copy of Meet the Meerkat directly through Charlesbridge (Hardcover $15.95; Paperback $6.95 and check out their coloring page and author spotlight, too).
Or buy Meet the Meerkat from Amazon (Hardcover $10.85; Paperback $6.95).
And if your young pup starts clamoring for more meerkats, check out a Plush Meerkat by Hansa Toy ($22) or Stuffed Animal Plush Standing Meerkat ($12.49).
