This stunningly illustrated fable tells of a sad little black panther who often finds himself alone in the beautiful rainforest. The other cats shun him as he lacks either magnificent stripes or spots or a luxuriant mane. In vain he tries to emulate them, creating his own mane of feathers, stripes from the golden pollen of ginger flowers or spots from studding his coat with leaves. Each time, one of the elements blows, washes or dries them away, assuring Panther that he does not need them. Feeling utterly woebegone, he catches sight of the rising moon and is drawn to climb the trees to get closer. It is then that Moon explains what a gift it is to be ink-black like the night. At last Panther realises his beauty and, while the other cats sleep, finds his own place in the forest at last.
This is a charming way for YR-Y3, (ages 3-7), to explore how we all need to find our own place in the world and to appreciate our own beauty and strengths. Wind and Rain, like adults, might say you don’t need to be like others, but you have to find that out for yourself. This is a sumptuous book with richly patterned, stylised illustrations in an Indian inspired exotic style, all in a palette of green, black, gold and blue. It would easily inspire art and textile projects but may be a little too busy for some children.
Sue Barrett
Shortlisted for the 2023 English 4-11 Picture Book Awards
The Midnight Panther written and illustrated by Poonam Mistry
Templar Books
ISBN 9781787418929
£12.99
