The Lion Children

What a lovely and inspiring book, I couldn't put it down it was just too much happening and I wanted to know what is next.

Change: Embrace or Dream (6/7 people found this helpful)

There are many times in the day when people wish they could be doing something else, but few have the courage to actually embrace change. This book describes a family who boldly took their life in their hands, picked it up and ultimately set up camp as lion researchers in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The children have written an honest and thoughtful account of this change and the challenges they have managed with insight, humour and maturity. Considering their age you will be astonished by the quality of their language and their ability to completely immerse you in their fascinating lives. It is an inspiration for anyone interested in an overseas dream, whether a child, traveller, holiday maker, or simply someone needing a few hours of escapism.

A profoundly moving and inspiring book (13/13 people found this helpful)

This is a truly remarkable book. I could not put it down. Angus, Maisie, and Travers (and Oakley) McNeice write of the complete transformation of their lives brought about when their mother, a biologist, decided to take the family to live at Maun, on the edge of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and then to a camp in the African bush to study lions. The book is entirely in their own words, and illustrated by their own beautiful drawings. There is no cloying sentimentality here. The children write with honesty, courage, and remarkable wisdom; and they write extraordinarily well. They describe the challenges, anxieties, and excitement of settling down to life in the bush; their new friends; their first Christmas in Africa; their mother's remarriage; and above all, about the lions. We sense how the children become drawn into their parents' research, how they gain in expertise and understanding. There is no doubt that these children are highly capable young scientists. Their education - thanks to the remarkable vision, talent, and effort of their mother Kate - has been exceptional: "For us every day is a biology lesson, and we are lucky enough not to be solely dependent on dry textbooks, for we are being taught by nature itself," writes Travers. Would that more children had their eyes and minds opened by such an education! This is not, then, just the story of a unique and highly talented family, or a celebration of lions and a plea for the protection of these magnificent creatures, though that is an important message. It is about what education should be; about what our relationship to nature should be; about what life is. Human relations play as central a role in the book as those between humans and other animals: the love and mutual support of these children and their parents shine out from the pages. This is a deeply moving book that could change your life.

Fabulous and moving (3/3 people found this helpful)

I read this book from cover to cover as soon as I got it and I was amazed - there is pure magic within those covers. I am a student just finishing university and it has inspired me to put my career on hold and spend a year discovering Africa - this is not a book to be missed.

Fascinating story about the kids life in the African bush (5/5 people found this helpful)

Travors, Angus & Maisie McNiece, along with their older sister Emily and their younger brother Oakley moved with their mother Kate to Botswana six years ago, of which they have spent 5 years living with their stepdad Pieter in the African bush. Their story is a fascinating one of living in the wilderness told from the children's point of view. They have experienced many adventures, learned even more about the african wildlife and are real experts on how to survive amongst lions, hyeanas and elephants. But they also describe the difficulties of living in Africa, it is not easy to grow up in the African bush. I enjoyed the book very much, an exciting and interesting book for any youngster and adult to read.

Angus McNeice, Maisie McNeice, Travers McNeice

Reader Reviews:

Inspiring book (0/0 people found this helpful)

Change: Embrace or Dream (6/7 people found this helpful)

A profoundly moving and inspiring book (13/13 people found this helpful)

Fabulous and moving (3/3 people found this helpful)

Fascinating story about the kids life in the African bush (5/5 people found this helpful)

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