A Leap for Legadema

The special bond between a mother leopard and her cub is illuminated in this heartwarming coming-of-age story set in Botswana's lush Okavango Delta. Stunning photographs from a legendary duo of National Geographic explorers are sure to captivate young readers and raise awareness about this amazing species and the threats leopards face.

The little leopard Legadema has to learn to find her place in a big, big world. When the cub was born during a fantastic African storm, the sky cracked and brightened with lightning, and Legadema, which means "light from the sky," was named. She soon learns from her mother that the path to adulthood isn't always easy. She also has to learn from experience, like when she encounters a hungry pride of lions! Luckily for Legadema, her mom is one fierce protector. Amidst the vibrant, chirping grasslands, bristling with danger and predators, will little Legadema learn to hunt, hide, and thrive as she strikes out on her own?

This sweet story, with its breathtaking photographs, explores the challenges and joys of family, love, and growing up, and is a perfect bedtime read-aloud tale.

National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence DERECK and BEVERLY JOUBERT are award-winning filmmakers/photographers and conservationists from Botswana who have been filming, researching, and exploring in Africa for more than 25 years. They have produced more than 22 films, 10 books, and many articles for National Geographic magazine and scientific journals. The Jouberts have initiated several conservation projects, including the Big Cat Initiative to save the planet's endangered big cat species.