The Midnight Panther h/c back

The first full page prowls towards you, out of the rainforest, as if painstakingly embroidered on thick, heavy velvet green curtains or drapes!

This is every inch as glorious, wise, kind and celebratory as Soundar & Mistry's YOU'RE SAFE WITH ME etc, and is 'For everyone who was ever made to feel different'.

I adore the semi-symetrical tapestry of birds, dazzling enough in its intricacy and rich, natural wood hues that the hornbill's kept classy (!), in keeping with the camouflaged, harmonious whole.

As to Panther's punchline, it is a chocolatier's masterpiece with the freshest, crispest mint leaves and a decorative smattering of sweet citrus candy.

"Now I am just as dazzling as Leopard," he said. And he most assuredly is.

The publisher writes:

"Panther is not like the other cats. Leopard has beautiful spots, Tiger has impressive stripes and Lion has a magnificent mane. Panther is small, shy and dark.

One night he decides to go and find out where in the jungle he really belongs. Finally summoning the courage to scale the treetops, he answers the call of moonlight and ink-black night. Perhaps up among the stars he will find out something about his own strength and beauty.

A stunning fable about courage and finding your place in the world, with beautiful illustrations by Greenaway-shortlisted Poonam Mistry. The perfect gift book."