A Boy and a Jaguar

by Alan Rabinowitz, Catia Chien (Illustrator)

Alan loves animals, but the great cat house at the Bronx Zoo makes him sad. Why are they all alone in empty cages? Are they being punished? More than anything, he wants to be their champion—their voice—but he stutters uncontrollably.

Except when he talks to animals…

Then he is fluent.

Follow the life of the man Time Magazine calls, "the Indiana Jones of wildlife conservation"as he searches for his voice and fulfills a promise to speak for animals, and people, who cannot speak for themselves. This real-life story with tender illustrations by Catia Chien explores truths not defined by the spoken word.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, Disability, Memoir

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 6, 2014

About the author

Alan Robert Rabinowitz was an American zoologist, conservationist, field biologist and the CEO of Panthera, a nonprofit conservation organization devoted to protecting the world's 37 wild cat species. Called the "Indiana Jones of Wildlife Protection" by Time, Rabinowitz has studied jaguars, clouded leopards, Asiatic leopards, tigers, Sumatran rhinos, bears, leopard cats, raccoons, and civets. Today, Rabinowitz’s work focused on conserving the world’s largest, most imperiled cats—tigers, lions, jaguars, and snow leopards—and their habitats.

Reviews

[Mid-Continent Public Library]

A young boy named Alan has a stutter. The one time he doesn't is when he communicates with animals. After years of hard work, Alan must find his voice to save and help those without a voice, particularly a jaguar he sees in a barren cage at the zoo with his family.

Based on the real-life of the "Indiana Jones of Wild Life Conservation", Alan Rabinowitz gives us a book about empowerment, stuttering, animal conservation, perseverance and courage, in this beautifully illustrated book by Ca'Tia Chien.

As someone who grew up with a very tough speech impediment, seeing someone similar to myself in a book is very heartwarming. *Review by Andrew from Red Bridge*

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

My biggest takeaway from this book is all stutterers do NOT grow up to be serial killers, despite what Criminal Minds has taught me.

Also - if you ever come across a jaguar - just kneel down and look it in the eye. Best way to say "thank you" respectfully and avoid getting eaten apparently.

I have tremendous respect for Mr. Rabinowitz and the work he does with animals. I think I'm probably the only cold hearted ass hole who didn't love his book.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a young boy, Alan Rabinowitz suffered from a severe speech impediment, finding it impossible not to stutter unless speaking to animals. A regular visitor at the Bronx Zoo's great cat house, he was saddened by the lonely captivity of its feline residents, particularly an old female jaguar. Promising her that one day he would be a voice for her kind, he eventually went on to become a conservationist and wildlife researcher, becoming the first person to study jaguars in the wild. Conquering his stutter, he became an impassioned advocate for these magnificent cats, convincing the government of Belize to establish a sanctuary for them...

An immensely moving book, one which addresses complex issues like difference and communication, and the human connection to the natural world, A Boy and a Jaguar is picture-book memoir at its best. When I reached the conclusion of the story, which sees Alan face-to-face with a jaguar in the wild, I had a lump in my throat. The artwork, done in acrylic and charcoal pencil by Cátia Chien, perfectly captures the emotional register of each scene. Her depiction of the jaguar and his expressions is particularly well done. Recommended to anyone looking for children's biographies about naturalists, conservationists, great cats, or young people with speech impediments.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant biography of one of the world's leaders in animal conservation (and one who overcame his stutter)

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book with some powerful messages in it.

The story follows the main character as he grows up, he has a stutter and is deemed to be a disruption in school whenever he tries to talk. But he can talk to animals without stuttering at all. He feels broken but feels whole around the animals.
When he visits the Bronx Zoo and meets the gaze of the Jaguar he realised that they are unhappy and wants to one day be the voice of the animals and protect them, as like him they can’t speak up for themselves.
As he grows older, he overcomes his stutter and is able to speak fluently. Although he is now able to speak, he still feels broken. He uses this to research animals and goes on to research Jaguars. Using his new found voice is he able to inspire the Belize government to set up the first Jaguar sanctuary. And when he comes across a Jaguar in the wild and looks into its eyes he knows both the Jaguar and he are whole through their freedoms.

This is a fantastic autobiographical story about Wildlife Conservationist Alan Rabinowitz which shows children the importance of looking after wildlife but also the ability to overcome difficulties.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this aloud to my class bright tears to my eyes. I’d put this book on our read aloud shelf after flipping through the pages, intending to read it fully myself before sharing it with the class. As it turned out, several kids had selected it themselves before I’d had the chance and requested one afternoon. So I ended up reading it for the first time in front of the class. And that was a bit of a mistake!! The story is moving and wonderfully written. I had trouble reading the last few lines aloud. The class and I both loved it.

[Milton Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan struggles with stuttering. He only feels comfortable talking to animals because with them, he is fluent. When Alan talks to the jaguar at the zoo (who he realizes is sad), he makes a promise that he will find his voice and speak up for her and other animals. He grows up and does just that. This is the sweetest story about speaking up for those who don't have the ability to speak for themselves!

Find it today: https://ent.sharelibraries.info/clien...

Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story arc feels a little abrupt, like maybe we missed some important steps, but there are some really neat moments and it ends up being good for jaguars, which is ultimately helpful.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young boy named Alan has a stutter. The one time he doesn't is when he communicates with animals. After years of hard work, Alan must find his voice to save and help those without a voice, particularly a jaguar he sees in a barren cage at the zoo with his family.

Based on the real-life of the "Indiana Jones of Wild Life Conservation", Alan Rabinowitz gives us a book about empowerment, stuttering, animal conservation, perseverance and courage, in this beautifully illustrated book by Ca'Tia Chien.

As someone who grew up with a very tough speech impediment, seeing someone similar to myself in a book is very heartwarming.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young boy struggles with stuttering and learns that he doesn't stutter when he talks to animals. Though he feels broken, he finds that he feels at home studying animals in their natural environments. He travels to Belize to study jaguars and eventually convinces the office of the prime minister to create a protected area for the big cats.

I really enjoyed this book. The story has a lovely parallelism and Alan Rabinowitz captures his feelings about stuttering in a way that children will be able to understand and relate to. The artwork is also lovely -- I especially liked the page that shows the jaguars running through the world's first and only jaguar preserve.

But as much as I liked this book for its artwork, narrative, and message, it really needed some additional information or a biography of Alan Rabinowitz. For teachers or librarians interested in using this text with students, definitely take a minute to prepare some additional information.

http://www.belizeaudubon.org/protecte...
http://www.panthera.org/node/247
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adv...

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

A moving story of how the author connects with animals in the Bronx Zoo -- the only times he doesn't stutter. He promises that if he can beat his stutter, he will help them, and grows up to work with jaguars, speaking to governmental officials in Belize to establish a protected sanctuary. The illustrations by Catia Chien are beautiful, but the insets don't always work seamlessly, leading to some choppiness. On the back jacket flap, there is a short, helpful Q&A with the author, some of which added important context to the books (e.g., it's a true story.) Thanks Alan, for letting us know of the important work of Panthera.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=5561

I loved loved loved this book. The messages about animals and human are the same: all living things should be respected.

Reread 4-3-15
Wish there was back matter to learn more!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful autobiographical story beautifully illustrated.

[Julie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Precious. My two daughters were spellbound by the magic it wove around them.

[Jessica Trujillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Boy and a Jaguar is by written by Alan Robinowitz and illustrated by CaTia Chien. It is the story of a boy who has a stutter. The only time that he is able to speak without stuttering is when he is whispering to animals. What started as one boy’s way of coping with his disability leads him on a journey of self-discovery, both when addressing his disability and also his future career.

A Boy and a Jaguar is an example of a diverse and inclusive text that would be great to incorporate into any classroom. According to our Nearpod Powerpoint there are four guiding questions that must be addressed when distinguishing a text to be of high-quality and inclusive. The four qualities are the character is presented as multi-dimensional, identifying whose voice is emphasized or represented, how the audience is positioned to respond to the character, and authentic relationships that are integrated throughout the text. In A Boy and a Jaguar, the main character is identified as having a stutter, but that is not the only fact that we know about him. We learn of his fascination with and love for animals which is also a vitally important aspect of his life. The voice that is emphasized in this text is that of the main character. The author communicates his thoughts and feelings through inner dialogue and conversation. The author writes this story where the reader joins this boy on his journey, through both the highs and the lows of his life. Lastly, the author and illustrator take the time to place emphasis on the authenticity of the relationships in this story, both with other human characters and with the animals.

For teachers interested in using this book in their classroom, here is a link for a read-aloud which can be projected on your Smart Board. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-p0U...

[Erin Engebreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schneider Family Book Award.
The story followed Alan as he tried to navigate his childhood stutter. Even though the people around him weren't very nice about it, the animals around him were. He makes a promise to them that one day he would be voice for all animals. As he gets older he dedicates his life to saving animals, particularly jaguars. I loved how this story showed that you can be anything you set your mind to with determination. This is a great story to show to a child who may be dealing with a speech impediment, it is a great way to show them that they are not alone and they will get through it.

[Ashlie Fessenden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Boy and a Jaguar by: Alan Rabinowitz

This real-life story of a boy and his journey of searching for his voice all while fulfilling his promise to speak for all animals, people, or anyone who cannot speak for themselves is a wonderful creation.

"The components of picture books are woven together to communicate multiple meanings that invite various interpretations from readers of different ages." (Young T, Bryan G, Jacobs J, Tunnell M, (2020). Children's Literature, Briefly). The artwork throughout this book perfectly captures the events, settings and emotions. For example, the jaguar and his expressions are created marvelously. By using acrylic and charcoal art the emotions of the book are also created more vividly.

Additional Bonus's - The book is able to cover many topics such as, endangered animals, emotions, and learning how to use your voice.

Reading Level - Third Grade

If you enjoyed this book I recommend The Pirate Who Couldn't Say Arrr! by Angie Neal

[Morgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written book about a boy with a stutter and how he overcomes it. This is a quaint picture book about the life of Alan Rabinowitz a wildlife conservationist. This book has a Schneider Family Book Award for books about disabilities. Alan Robinowitz writes this book himself. The illustrations by CaTia Chien look like watercolor. I think many kids could relate to this even if they don't have a stutter. This book could be a mirror and a window. The back flap of this book gives a little background about the author and illustrator. There is also some Q&A with Alan Rabinowitz.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated story of the author finding a passion for animals as a young boy through being able to talk to animals (his pets) when his stutter made it nearly impossible to speak to people. As an adult, he took that passion and turned it into a career working to save big cats, including jaguars in Belize. It‘s inspiring and yes, I cried.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big cats! I liked the distinction in the text, where the main character said he would always be a stutterer, but could learn in time to speak fluently— which he did with a lot of hard work and time. But it would always require hard work.

[Kayla Leitschuh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting this book to make me cry, but it sure did! If you love animals, you will love this sweet picture book.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book about a boy who stutters. Well done.

[Hilmg]

Stuttering, conservation, parachuting yt saviors, gratitude, Belize

[Roger Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think what I liked most about this book was the illustrations; you could really feel the emotion of the main character when he is first telling the reader about his stuttering problem and how serious it is for him. I actually dealt with a stuttering problem when I was younger and still occasionally stutter if I get nervous, so this story really hits home for me. I can also relate that I find animals much better company than most of the humans I meet, just like the boy. He seems like a really nice kids who just wants to help and be with animals since he doesn't have to talk as much and when he does talk, he doesn't stutter because he feels more at ease with them. As he grows up, the boy becomes an animal researcher and has to present his case for animal protection to people, of which he is terrified he will stutter during. In the end, he gets the protection the jaguars need and he thanks a big male jaguar for helping him overcome his obstacles in life.

[Chance Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bluntly written book with a good message.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I located A Boy and A Jaguar through the American Library Association’s website (ala.org). It won the Schneider Family Book Award in 2015.

Alan Robinowitz tells his story of growing up with a severe stutter. He struggles and is misunderstood at school, leaving him feeling like he is “broken.” However, he can speak fluently to animals. When visiting the zoo, he promises a jaguar that if he can find his voice, he will be their voice. He goes to college and enters a program to help with his stutter. As an adult, he studies animals and goes on to found the first jaguar preserve in Belize. The illustrations carry emotion with warm colors and a mix of light and dark tones that correspond with Alan’s feelings. His voice elicits empathy, and the story is inspiring. Alan is an excellent role model for children because he was determined to follow his passion and worked hard to cope with his challenges. In telling his own story, he brings authenticity to the narrative of struggling and overcoming a disability.

I recommend A Boy and A Jaguar for students in grades K-5, especially for classrooms that include students with disabilities and for students interested in animals. This book can prompt discussions about speech disorders with a focus on empathy and understanding. It can be included in a unit on conversation and paired with other texts related to animal sanctuaries.

[Patricia Pappas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from the Notable Social Studies Trade books for Young People 2016. This is a true life story of an animal activist. The narrator has a severe stuttering problem in the classroom, but speaks openly and freely at home. One day, he tells a Jaguar he will be a voice for the animals in the zoo. As he gets older, he focuses his energy on advocating for jaguars and other animals, and eventually is able to set aside land for a jaguar preserve. The pictures in this book are vivid with green for the vegetation, and a brightly colored background and full of emotion to match this tale. The characters and pretty stereotypical and white, and all the animals are light in color. You can truly understand and follow the life journey of this author, while enjoying the ride. I would certainly read this and share this with my students so they can hear a powerful story of activism and goodness, while also hearing a biography.

[Natalya Botero · Rating 4 out of 5]

(2014)This is a sweet and empowering book about a boy who finds his voice and his calling. I feel like this would be a great motivational book for any student/child who is having a hard time believing in themselves. (Biography)

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stellar autobiographical picture book written by and about a wildlife conservationist. Alan was a boy who could not speak clearly. He battled stuttering all of the time except when he talked with animals. When he visited the great cat house at the Bronx Zoo, he could whisper fluently into the ears of the cats. He also spent a lot of time with his pets at home, speaking to them and telling them that if he ever found his own voice, he would serve as their voice since they had none and would keep them from harm. Alan became the first person to study jaguars. In Belize he felt at home in the jungle. He worked to protect the jaguars and eventually had to speak for them in front of the President of Belize, hoping to save their habitat from destruction. But can he speak clearly in the short 15 minutes he’s been given?

This book is made all the more compelling by the fact that it is true. It gives readers a glimpse into the world of a child struggling with a disability, one that mars every verbal interaction he has. And thanks to his ability with animals, readers quickly see beyond the stutter to the boy himself and to the gifts that he has to offer. Even better, once Alan becomes an adult, readers get to see a man who is taking advantage of his uniqueness to make a difference in the world and for the animals he cares for so much.

Chien’s art is rich and varied. She moves from backgrounds of wine red to brilliant yellow to the deep greens of the Belize jungles. She shows an isolated boy, alone that contrasts beautifully with the man working happily alone in the jungle – so similar and yet so very different.

An extraordinary autobiography, this book shows readers not to judge anyone by how they speak but rather by what they do. Appropriate for ages 4-7.

[Tammy Haberer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An autobiographical story about a boy who stutters, but finds his voice when he talks to animals. As a thank you to the animals for helping him with his speech, he dedicates his life to wildlife conservation.