Title: Panda’s Earthquake Escape
Author: Phyllis J. Perry
Illustrator: Susan Detwiler
Ages: 4-8
Paperback or hardback: 32 pgs, Hardback and Paperback
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Publication Date: March 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1-60718-071-5 (H) $16.95/978-1-60718-082-1 (P) $ 8.95
Reviewed by Kathy Stemke
This delightful story is based on the real life story of a Giant panda who did escape from the destroyed Wolong Panda Reserve when the 7.9 earthquake rocked Northern China on May 12, 2008. Author Phyllis Perry uses the adventures of a mother panda, LiLing, and her one-year-old cub, Tengfei, to teach children about the endangered panda, and how they adapt to dangerous situations. In Panda’s Earthquake Escape, mother and cub escape from the wreckage. Confused and afraid, they get lost! How will they survive outside their reserve? Where will they find food and shelter?
“Tengfei watched. He had never seen anything like this before. These were not bamboo shoots, but he was really hungry. Finally he tried one of the bulbs. It wasn’t so bad. He ate several more. While they were eating, the earth beneath their feet began moving again.”
With the help of Susan Detwiler’s vivid illustrations, children will fall in love with this mother and her cub as they experience this event through the eyes of these gentle animals.
In “the creative minds” section at the end of the book you will find fun Panda facts and a life cycle sequencing activity. Teachers will love the two pages of earthquake facts as well.
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection 
Another great review by Kathy Stemke. I found the review of this book interesting. I think kids would enjoy reading this book. It would be a great book to use in a classroom setting when learning about pandas or earthquakes.