Book Description

Review: "Keep Up, Katmai is a remarkable view into an inquisitive real grizzly cub's day, with stunning photographs shot by renowned wildlife photographer Barrett Hedges. In this unique format, photographs give an up-close view into a very important cycle in a grizzly cub's life ? when she learns to fish for salmon with her brothers and sister. Young readers will cheer for Katmai, the smallest of the cubs, as we follow her day. The incredible collection of photos shows how wild bears eat, learn and play, as their mother protects and feeds them. The result? A beautiful introduction to this incredible, at-risk species, and a wonderful story celebrating the love between a parent and their children. Back of book material ("Behind the Lens") includes a fascinating interview with author Pili Palm-Leis and photographer Barrett Hedges that highlights what is so special about these images and the team behind the book. While anyone would look at these photos and know they are spectacular, an experienced nature photographer would immediately recognize that they also represent a unique shoot. The salmon spawning season is very short and most photographers would be extremely reluctant to get this close to the bears during this time. This shoot took place over one evening and two days on a 200-300 yard stretch of river. As soon as Barrett saw the family, he abandoned all other photo opportunities to focus on them. To see a grizzly mom in the wild with four live cubs is almost unheard of. To capture all five bears in one shot, in focus, looking at the camera just doesn't happen (remember your last family portrait? Now imagine with wild grizzlies). Barrett's shoot captured behaviour that is very hard to get, especially in the same frame. Thanks to his eye, deep knowledge and respect for the wildlife he photographs, young readers will witness magnificent scenes in nature that most of us would never have a chance to experience."--