The Lioness — Crystal Smith

A Mother's Journey Filled with Pride

In a jungle where food is becoming ever more scarce, one courageous lioness reflects on a remarkable life and what the uncertain future holds for her cubs.

Uhnita has never had it easy - as a youngster, she endured a tough upbringing by a stern father. Yet she somehow emerged to become an excellent mother to Wustoon, Jesika and Yay-yamie, her three beloved cubs. Now, she looks back on the trials and tribulations of motherhood to assess how she has come to this point - what she has done right, and what could have been. Through it all, Uhnita displays the searching intelligence and sharp savvy that have made her a key member of her pride. And with the encroachment of "man creatures," her cubs are going to need all the wisdom they can get. Food, once so plentiful in Uhnita's youth, is becoming harder to come by - and it has something to do with those two-legged "animals" that keep appearing more and more.

The Lioness is a moving and tender account of motherhood and the bond that forms among kin, showing that when it comes to what really matters, humans and lions have plenty in common. Children of all ages will find new appreciation for the sacrifices and sweat that go into raising young in this unique story.