A heartwarming true story with excellent color photograpgs of a rescued moon bear whose mother is killed by poachers. ( )

National Geographic is well known for its beautiful photography. Their photos have mesmerized people of all ages for many years and across many countries. The story of Yasha the bear comes to life with exquisite up close and personal photos that show the young bears growth and how she learns to fend for herself in the vast eastern land of Russia.

Yasha, a moon bear, has been abandoned. Its mother was possibly killed by hunters. Moon bears get their name from the white crescent moon shape on the chest of their black fur. They are commonly found in the forests of Russia. A young team of scientists, Liya and Sergey, found Yasha and spend their time monitoring and caring for her. She grew to trust them and often would seek affection from them. Yasha is soon introduced to Shum and Shiksha two more bears that were rescued and protected. Together they all grow, frolic and soon learn to survive in the forest on their own with Liya and Sergey not far away. They even climbed trees to save themselves from a very hungry tiger.

Readers of all ages will enjoy the wonderful pictures and story of moon bears in Russia. The photos alone make this book worth having. The back pages offer notes from the scientists and other tools children, teachers and parents can utilize to learn more about these wonderful bears. ( )