What do you think?
Rate this book
Giant Pandas
They are indigenous to China and are adored the world over.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2002
5 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Gail Gibbons
223 books161 followersFrom gailgibbons.com: I was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1944. Even as a little child, I was always busy putting books together. Sometimes I would bind them with yarn to hold the pages together. I've always loved drawing and painting. I was also a very curious child. My parents tell me that I was always asking lots and lots of questions.
Later, I went on to the University of Illinois, where I studied graphic design. Then I moved to New York City, where I got a job doing artwork for television shows. Eventually I was asked to do the artwork for a children's show. While doing that show, some of the children asked me if I had ever thought of doing children's books. My mind immediately recalled how much I enjoyed doing that type of thing when I was a child. So I put an idea for a book together and right away a publisher bought it. That book was called Willy and His Wheel Wagon. Since then, over 170 books that I have written and illustrated have been published. The type of books I write are non-fiction books. This is because I love researching so much. I get to ask lots of questions, just like when I was a kid. I also get to travel and meet lots of interesting people. While doing research for my book Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests, I traveled to two islands where there are tropical rain forests, Saba and Dominica. I also had a great time writing and illustrating the book. I get a lot of pleasure from doing the type of work I do.
Later, I went on to the University of Illinois, where I studied graphic design. Then I moved to New York City, where I got a job doing artwork for television shows. Eventually I was asked to do the artwork for a children's show. While doing that show, some of the children asked me if I had ever thought of doing children's books. My mind immediately recalled how much I enjoyed doing that type of thing when I was a child. So I put an idea for a book together and right away a publisher bought it. That book was called Willy and His Wheel Wagon. Since then, over 170 books that I have written and illustrated have been published. The type of books I write are non-fiction books. This is because I love researching so much. I get to ask lots of questions, just like when I was a kid. I also get to travel and meet lots of interesting people. While doing research for my book Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests, I traveled to two islands where there are tropical rain forests, Saba and Dominica. I also had a great time writing and illustrating the book. I get a lot of pleasure from doing the type of work I do.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 11, 2009
Wonderful author Gail Gibbons brings her readers to the world of pandas in this text written about the rare species found in China. It is a clear, informational text about where the Giant Panda is found, its physical characteristics, habitat, life cycle, and current status in the the world. Afterall, did you know that a Mother Panda weighs over 900 times more than her baby when it is born? Were you aware that the average panda eats 27 pounds of bamboo each day? These are just some fun facts you will learn about this beautiful animal.
I want to take note of the beautiful illustrations that add to this particular text. As a reader, you are transported to the mountains of Northern China that the Giant Panda refers to as its' home. This book is simply a wonderful way to gain knowledge. The conservation message in this book alone is sure to draw upon readers of all ages, and I cannot wait to share it with my own students.
I want to take note of the beautiful illustrations that add to this particular text. As a reader, you are transported to the mountains of Northern China that the Giant Panda refers to as its' home. This book is simply a wonderful way to gain knowledge. The conservation message in this book alone is sure to draw upon readers of all ages, and I cannot wait to share it with my own students.
December 9, 2014
Gin pandas by Gibbons Gail
Genre: nonfiction Reading level: 1-3 grade Format: good
The book Giant Pandas is a book that teaches the reader interesting facts about pandas. For example what the pandas eat and how they raise their new born cubs. The book also talks about the physical features pandas have and how the number of pandas is decreasing due to the destruction of their natural habitats. I thought the book did a good job in how the picture illustrations have captions that explain what the panda is doing or gives a description of vocabulary words the reader might not know. I also thought the book is engaging because it gives the reader a lot of interesting information that isn’t boring. I liked how the pictures are more cartoon like picture illustrations. I can use this book in my classroom to teach students how to gain skills in drawing or making a worksheet that will help them identify the difference between pandas and bears.
Genre: nonfiction Reading level: 1-3 grade Format: good
The book Giant Pandas is a book that teaches the reader interesting facts about pandas. For example what the pandas eat and how they raise their new born cubs. The book also talks about the physical features pandas have and how the number of pandas is decreasing due to the destruction of their natural habitats. I thought the book did a good job in how the picture illustrations have captions that explain what the panda is doing or gives a description of vocabulary words the reader might not know. I also thought the book is engaging because it gives the reader a lot of interesting information that isn’t boring. I liked how the pictures are more cartoon like picture illustrations. I can use this book in my classroom to teach students how to gain skills in drawing or making a worksheet that will help them identify the difference between pandas and bears.
November 15, 2018
This is a beautifully illustrated nonfiction children’s picture book that is filled with detailed information on giant pandas. Gail Gibbons discusses all aspects of the giant panda species, including what and how much these animals eat, their forms of communication, and how they raise their young--to name a few. Although this book focuses more on giant pandas themselves and less on saving the species, it does touch on that concept towards the end of the book and discusses how giant pandas’ natural habitats have been destroyed over the last century and how humans are enforcing measures to increase the population of this species. One thing I particularly liked about this book was the map on one of the first pages. The text on the page reads: “Giant pandas live in the mountains of China,” and the illustration on the page is a large map of China with a key that explains the colors on the map, which shows where giant pandas used to live and where they are living today. This map shows the huge decrease in the amount of giant pandas that are still around today. It is heart-wrenching, but also very informative, to look at this map and see the places where giant pandas are living today, because it is significantly smaller compared to where giant pandas once lived in China.
January 1, 2019
Talks about the lives and lifecycles of pandas, the destruction and protection of their habitats, and pandas being raised in captivity.
The illustrations are both detailed and endearing. (Though some of that is definitely the subject matter.)
The illustrations are both detailed and endearing. (Though some of that is definitely the subject matter.)
January 3, 2019
Starts out story-like, but quickly switches to reciting facts.
Lots of good information about pandas. Doesn't mention how rarely they seem to get pregnant.
The panda illustrations are very cute.
Lots of good information about pandas. Doesn't mention how rarely they seem to get pregnant.
The panda illustrations are very cute.
January 31, 2025
Gibbons offers information on panda bears for elementary level readers. She introduces them to their habitat and lifestyle and explains why their numbers have been greatly reduced. The artwork is realistic and captures the animals and their habitat.
Read
April 21, 2012Giant Pandas is a book about giant pandas. Conveniently titled, Gail Gibbons takes us through the life of giant pandas. By reading you learn about what they eat, what their bodies are like, and what their babies are like.
The book is accurate and authentic in conveying factual, documented material. In the back of the book, there are interesting facts about pandas. The special thanks in the copyright section of the book is for a society that deals with zoos. I do believe the information is presented in an organized way. It is told in a story form. It almost feels like the reader is being taken through the daily life, or a year, of the pandas' life. You learn about their bodies, what they eat, and then stages of their life like parenthood. The format is super appealing and accessible to children. There are a lot of pictures along with descriptions. In the pictures, you can see labels. So, without having to read too much of the description, the child can look at the picture and easily pick out on the picture what that page is talking about. The writing style is clear. The sentences are simple and are not very hard to follow for the content. There is enthusiasm in the text through exclaimation points. The pictures are also very colorful, making the reader see how exciting it is to learn about pandas.
I liked Giant Pandas. I thought the information was presented in a great way. Though it is a children's book, I thought I learned a lot from it. The pictures draw me in and make me want to learn about the pandas. I really enjoyed that the pictures were labeled. I think this would be a great book to read in science class when learning about animals. There is a lot of information in this book that you can share with the classroom and use as a resource to teach.
The book is accurate and authentic in conveying factual, documented material. In the back of the book, there are interesting facts about pandas. The special thanks in the copyright section of the book is for a society that deals with zoos. I do believe the information is presented in an organized way. It is told in a story form. It almost feels like the reader is being taken through the daily life, or a year, of the pandas' life. You learn about their bodies, what they eat, and then stages of their life like parenthood. The format is super appealing and accessible to children. There are a lot of pictures along with descriptions. In the pictures, you can see labels. So, without having to read too much of the description, the child can look at the picture and easily pick out on the picture what that page is talking about. The writing style is clear. The sentences are simple and are not very hard to follow for the content. There is enthusiasm in the text through exclaimation points. The pictures are also very colorful, making the reader see how exciting it is to learn about pandas.
I liked Giant Pandas. I thought the information was presented in a great way. Though it is a children's book, I thought I learned a lot from it. The pictures draw me in and make me want to learn about the pandas. I really enjoyed that the pictures were labeled. I think this would be a great book to read in science class when learning about animals. There is a lot of information in this book that you can share with the classroom and use as a resource to teach.
December 1, 2016
Gail Gibbons
This is an expository text about giant pandas and their lifestyles and habitats. The book covers items such as the Chinese name for a giant panda, 大熊猫 (da xiong mao). When pandas give birth, they only have one for every three years and it is about 900 times smaller than its mother. Not only that, when they cry, they sound like human babies. The majority of giant pandas live in reserves or zoos because of their near extinction. This is so that they are encouraged to mate and give birth along with caring for their young.
This book has a lot of the categories associated to informational text. It contains a lot of pictures with labels pointing out the parts of the animal. In addition to that, the entire text is full of information about the giant panda. At the end of the book, there is actually a fact sheet listing the most important facts mentioned in the text. Although the book does not contain a few features that appear in information text like a table of contents or a glossary, it is still informational in that it tells the reader a lot of information about a certain subject.
This is an expository text about giant pandas and their lifestyles and habitats. The book covers items such as the Chinese name for a giant panda, 大熊猫 (da xiong mao). When pandas give birth, they only have one for every three years and it is about 900 times smaller than its mother. Not only that, when they cry, they sound like human babies. The majority of giant pandas live in reserves or zoos because of their near extinction. This is so that they are encouraged to mate and give birth along with caring for their young.
This book has a lot of the categories associated to informational text. It contains a lot of pictures with labels pointing out the parts of the animal. In addition to that, the entire text is full of information about the giant panda. At the end of the book, there is actually a fact sheet listing the most important facts mentioned in the text. Although the book does not contain a few features that appear in information text like a table of contents or a glossary, it is still informational in that it tells the reader a lot of information about a certain subject.
December 2, 2016
This is an expository text about giant pandas and their lifestyles and habitats. The book covers items such as the Chinese name for a giant panda, 大熊猫 (da xiong mao). When pandas give birth, they only have one for every three years and it is about 900 times smaller than its mother. Not only that, when they cry, they sound like human babies. The majority of giant pandas live in reserves or zoos because of their near extinction. This is so that they are encouraged to mate and give birth along with caring for their young.
This book has a lot of the categories associated to informational text. It contains a lot of pictures with labels pointing out the parts of the animal. In addition to that, the entire text is full of information about the giant panda. At the end of the book, there is actually a fact sheet listing the most important facts mentioned in the text. Although the book does not contain a few features that appear in information text like a table of contents or a glossary, it is still informational in that it tells the reader a lot of information about a certain subject.
This book has a lot of the categories associated to informational text. It contains a lot of pictures with labels pointing out the parts of the animal. In addition to that, the entire text is full of information about the giant panda. At the end of the book, there is actually a fact sheet listing the most important facts mentioned in the text. Although the book does not contain a few features that appear in information text like a table of contents or a glossary, it is still informational in that it tells the reader a lot of information about a certain subject.
March 21, 2016
Giant Pandas by Gail Gibbons is a wonderful informational text that can be used in grades 3-5. This book gives numerous information about Giant Pandas with colorful, beautiful, and realistic illustrations that enhance the information given in the text. The text provides the reader with information about a Giant Panda's appearance, diet, habitat, life cycle, communication forms, and other interesting knowledge in a format that is perfect for young readers. This book could be used to teach comprehension strategies, such as Main Idea Trees, about informational text to students because the flow of the text and the way the information is presented through Gibbon's writing makes this book interesting to read. Overall, if you are looking for a text that makes informational texts fun to students and can be used in a variety of ways to teach comprehension strategies or science content with vivid illustrations, then this book is a WOW choice!
November 18, 2021
In this updated version of a well-loved informational text, originally published in 2002, readers will learn all sorts of interesting facts about pandas, including their fondness for bamboo, their reproduction process, their various body parts, and the dangers to their habitat. Although the number of pandas had dwindled to only 1,200 at one point, their future seems much brighter now that humans are aware of the need to preserve the places they live in China and as the result of breeding programs intended to raise those numbers. As always, Gail Gibbons shares fascinating tidbits about her topic, and it's clear that she is just as interested in pandas as her readers will be. Colorful, detailed, labeled illustrations accompany the facts provided here, making this title a must-have for any elementary school library or classroom. The cuteness factor of pandas is undeniable, and readers will find it hard to resist smiling as they page through the book.
June 29, 2015
Giant Pandas proved to be an phenomenal informational text for my kindergartners. My children we extremely engaged with all the facts they we learning. They were able to identify the difference between fact and opinion which is difficult to do at such a young age. Gail GIbbons writes about some important history about Panda bears, but mentions the importance of taking care of our habitat in order to stop endangering these beautiful animals. This book also contains clear and colorful diagrams which make it easy for Kindergartners to read and understand. At the end of the read aloud, my students learned a lot about Panda bears, but most important they were able to build the skill of identifying facts.
I recommend this book to teachers that are starting to read informational text for lower elementary students.
I recommend this book to teachers that are starting to read informational text for lower elementary students.
February 23, 2016
Gail Gibbons is well known for her popular descriptive non-fiction children's books and Giant Pandas is no exception. This book is packed full of information about the history and lives of Giant Pandas. There are many descriptive diagrams that clearly point out what Gibbons is writing about. The book begins with the history of Giant Pandas (ex. they live in China), moves on to discuss physical characteristics, primary diet, senses, sleeping habits, birth, and ends by discussing how Giant Pandas are becoming closer to extinction.
I think that this book is great. This book goes into great detail about the lives of Giant Pandas. The pictures are illustrated, yet descriptive and clear.
I think that this is a great non-fiction resource for a classroom. It would go well with any unit centered around Pandas, China, or endangered species.
I think that this book is great. This book goes into great detail about the lives of Giant Pandas. The pictures are illustrated, yet descriptive and clear.
I think that this is a great non-fiction resource for a classroom. It would go well with any unit centered around Pandas, China, or endangered species.
April 16, 2013
Giant Pandas does a great job in explaining the lifestyle and characteristics of panda bears. The pictures are very detailed and the facts are laid out in a way that is easy to understand. I am a panda lover and this book really gave me insight as to what this mysterious and rare creature is all about. I think the students will love the interesting facts about the panda bears. I think hidden within the text and a good reason why I would have this book in the classroom is that it explains that pandas are no longer nearly as common as they once were. It talks about habitat destruction. I think it is important for students to know that some animals need to be protected and this book does a good job in letting them know that.
March 22, 2016
A small introduction to where giant pandas live and other things about them. The book notes what giant pandas look like, talks about their height and weight, how they communicate, what they eat, where they used to live, how they raise their families, how their paws work, and how baby pandas grow up. Humans are their only enemy. Scientists raise them in labs and zoos. These creatures are playful and only raise one cub at a time. Cubs are born completely white. Giant pandas don't have regular sleeping patterns like humans, but sleep 2-3 hours at a time.
December 7, 2014
I have looked at a few of Gail Gibbons books and I really enjoyed them. She puts so much effort and detail into each of the pages of her books. Just by reading the book you are able to tell the time and research she put into making this book. I know that she is someone to trust when it comes to researching about pandas. I also loved how even though they were illustrations, in a way they looked as if she saw actual pandas in the wild and drew them for her book. I know that reading this book I have learned more about pandas.
April 22, 2012
This is a wonderful, informative book about pandas! It talks about where pandas live, their characteristics, what they eat, when they give birth, and where they live. It contains very descriptive pictures with different aspects of the panda and its habitat labeled. This is another great book to discuss this organism and its dependence on its environment for third graders. The student can also identify features of the animal that helps it live and thrive in its environment.
April 1, 2015
This book has a lot of good information about giant pandas. Gibbons teaches the reader about where giant pandas live, what they eat, cub behavior, and much more. A few of the pictures are labeled or have captions. Other than that, I wasn't too crazy about the illustrations. There are additional facts about giant pandas at the end of the book. This is a good read for elementary students and this book would go well with a zoo or animal unit.
November 30, 2016
Giant pandas is an informational text about how pands live and where they are indegenous. It explains there dietary habits and how it effects their development. The book goes through the impact that they have on their enviroment and the culture in which they exist. The book and its illustrartions do well to provide information to the reader in mulitple ways. This book was an easy read for children wanting to learn and know more about Pandas.
August 21, 2014
Gibbons gives readers a brief introduction to pandas focusing on their life cycles and habitats.
A nice short resource for primary grade students interested in getting factual information on these cuddly creatures. Gibbons use an art style that gives a nod of tribute to Chinese art which fit the content well, though it isn't her usual form and sometimes you could tell.
A nice short resource for primary grade students interested in getting factual information on these cuddly creatures. Gibbons use an art style that gives a nod of tribute to Chinese art which fit the content well, though it isn't her usual form and sometimes you could tell.
January 17, 2013
Another great informational book by Gail Gibbons. I love her books for reading to my Kindergarten kids because they have higher level vocabulary and they are written in a way that the kids can understand the concepts.
February 1, 2014
I don't have the faintest idea how the description for this book got to be the description for the Gail Gibbons horse book, but I find it extremely amusing, because pandas are my favorite animal and horses my second.
March 12, 2009
Informative book about pandas.
March 7, 2013
Simple facts and engaging ink and watercolor illustrations will appeal to pre-school and early elementary age children.
March 13, 2013
very educational
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews