My Wild Life: Adventures of a Wildlife Photographer

by Suzi Eszterhas

Overview

As a young girl, Suzi Eszterhas knew she wanted to be a wildlife photographer. But how did she go from snapping pictures of cats in her backyard to taking photos of cheetah cubs in Kenya? In this nonfiction picture-book biography, Eszterhas invites readers to find out what her life is like behind the lens.

Spectacular photographs of animals paired with compelling anecdotes will instantly draw readers in. Each section of the book explores a unique part of Eszterhas’s job with energetic and engaging language. Along with photography tips and stories about life in the field, Eszterhas’s sections on conservation and treating animals with respect will enhance readers’ awareness of these issues. End matter includes answers to common questions Suzi has been asked.

Filled with adorable animals, stories from the field, and subtle lessons on resilience and female empowerment, the story of Eszterhas’s wild life asks readers to pursue their passions, while treating the natural world with curiosity, kindness, and respect.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781771474078
Publisher:	Owlkids Books
Publication date:	10/15/2020
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	360,950
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.50(h) x (d)
Lexile:	890L (what's this?)
Age Range:	7 - 10 Years

About the Author

SUZI ESZTERHAS is an award-winning wildlife photographer who is passionate about helping wildlife and has even participated firsthand in the rescue of several animals. Her photographs have been published in over 100 magazine cover and feature stories in publications around the world, including National Geographic Kids, Ranger Rick, and TIME. When not in the field, she lives in Petaluma, California.

Editorial Reviews

"Eszterhas’ accomplishments show how passion, commitment and a strong work ethic can earn the rewards of personal satisfaction, a fine message for young readers as they contemplate their future endeavors. Nature-loving readers will enjoy this glimpse into a fascinating career that offers unlimited possibilities."

Canadian Review of Materials

"[Eszterhas] is clear about the joy she gets from her work—especially in photographing animal babies growing—and her love for her work and for animals is palpable."

Booklist

"We need more books like this... A child who’s considering this option for their future could learn a lot from this book about what to expect."

Youth Services Book Review

"Via striking photographs and a conversational text, Eszterhas gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at her job... an engaging introduction to an unusual line of work."

The Horn Book

"This book is sure to be a winner with kids who love nature and animals or are budding photographers themselves."

Bookends Blog

10/01/2020

Gr 3–5—Eszterhas, a white American woman who has been a wildlife photographer for over 20 years, describes her career, which has allowed her to visit all seven continents. She spends nearly half of each year on photo shoots and much of her time at home planning and preparing for her next trip. The text provides engaging details that describe Eszterhas's lifestyle in the wild and her attempts at photographing the animals. Many of the species she has photographed are endangered and at risk for extinction due to climate change, habitat loss, poaching, and other problems caused by humans. She sells her photos and uses her voice to raise money and awareness for conservation. She has photographed Grévy's zebras, worked with locals in Vietnam who care for pangolins rescued from poachers, held an orphaned baby orangutan, and earned the trust of a mother cheetah, who allowed Eszterhas to photograph her tiny four-day-old cubs. Her commitment to conservation and her overall love of animals shine throughout the text. Two pages of common questions about being a wildlife photographer are included. VERDICT An informative, worthwhile addition to most juvenile nonfiction collections. Youngsters will be encouraged to enjoy and photograph the wild world around them.—Susan Scheps, formerly at Shaker P.L., OH

School Library Journal

2020-06-16
A trailblazing female wildlife photographer offers young readers a glimpse into a life spent traveling around the world to take pictures of animals.

The creator of numerous books about animals and animal families (Baby Animals With Their Families, 2018, etc.) now looks back at her life and work in hopes of capturing the interest of young people (especially girls) who might want to follow suit. Her conversational, first-person narrative is full of fascinating detail. Each two-page spread is a separate chapter, with a clearly headlined subject and numerous engaging images of the photographer, a white woman, at work and her animal subjects. Appropriately, she starts with her childhood and her first forays into animal photography in her backyard and at the zoo. She describes how she prepares for her photo shoots, how she lives in the field, how she finds her subjects, and how she gets to take her impressive pictures—sometimes by spending endless hours so that animals become accustomed to her, and sometimes by hiding (also for long periods). There are two chapters featuring her signature work with animal babies. Further chapters introduce two local guides (both people of color) and a scientist (who is white) without whom her work would not have been possible. A final spread talks about “giving back” and her work for animal conservation. Accessible, attractively designed, and well organized, this will have great appeal for animal lovers—and it may also prompt some to consider turning an interest into a career.

Striking photographs make this an irresistible invitation. (Q&A) (Informational picture book. 7-10)

Kirkus Reviews