Very interesting story. I always enjoy reading books about the relationship between a human and an animal. Well written. It kept my attention.

My daughter is a wild cat fan, so this is what prompted me to request this from NetGalley. I loved this book. I loved the story which was both entertaining and educational and I loved the photography. The author is right on target with the message of preserving wildlife without being preachy. It's easy to read for a 3-5th grade reader. I highly recommend this book.

Moto, is a wildcat, a Serval, from Kenya. When he is found at approximately 2 weeks old by tourists, he is given to the author Suzi Eszterhas, a wildlife photographer. She is asked by the Rangers to foster the kitten. Her goal is to look after him, but to assist him to become independent so he can survive in the wild. There are beautiful photographs that add to the narrative of what Suzi does to help Moto learn to be an independent adult. There is a section at the back that gives facts about servals. I had never heard of this type of cat before, so found the information fascinating. It is important that the book teaches that fostering a wild animal is not the same as having a pet. That is something that children need to learn. This book would be a great addition to a school library and could be used in different ways.

Kids Book Review by George and her daughter

My 7 year old daughter has an insatiable hunger for knowledge in regards to wild cats of all varieties so when the opportunity to read Moto and Me presented itself, I hoped she would find it entertaining. Not only did she find it entertaining, I also found myself giggling along at the beautiful pictures and learning with her about the wild servals of Africa.

It presented an ideal platform to open discussion of so many topics, from the need for wildlife conservation, to the importance of grass fires to the savannah grasslands. There were discussions on the differences in bottle feeding a serval versus a human baby, and even a giggle that the bottle used was the same brand she herself had used as an infant. We were able to compare the differences and similarities between Moto and our own house cat, in their hunting and play methods, and in their interactions with humans.

As a home school family, I love when books are as educational as they are entertaining, and when they can segue into broader lessons and spark a desire to learn. This is going to be the perfect addition to our library, and one that has already been re-read several times. ~ George, 5 Stars (My daughter also rated it “All the stars!”)


(Amazon review will be added upon release)

This is one of the best animal books I've read in a long time. It's a wonderful story about a serval (Moto) in the wild, who needs help. Beautifully written and full of photos, this is a perfect read for elementary children. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone!

Super cute story of a serval cat rescued and raised and later released into the wild. Photos are adorable! Good addition to a collection I think.

The author, a wildlife photographer, fosters an orphaned African serval kitten she calls Moto from the time he is 2 weeks old until he is able to survive independently. Beautiful photographs, a fascinating narrative, and an addendum about the serval cats will make this book appealing to animal lovers of all ages.

Moto! I loved this book, which is more personal than a number of Eszterhas's other lovely animal photography books for children. Moto, whose name means 'fire' in Swahili, is a rescued Serval that Eszterhas fostered for 9 months in the Masai Mara in Kenya. Her wonderful relationship with the Serval kitten is documented in beautiful photographs. Her successful restoration of him to the wild is an important lesson for younger children about proper care for wildlife rescues. A delightful book!