The creatures that inhabit the slopes of the Virungas Mountains pay no attention to the disappearing mist as they go about their morning feeding. There are several individual groups in the region yet, within each group, the day's routine is the same. Members reach out leathery hands to break off bits of bamboo, lazily munching, as they watch each other and their surroundings. Infants keep close to their mothers. Juveniles wrestle and tease one another. Adult males posture for dominance. A female awaits the birth of her first offspring.

And in the nearby valley, below the slopes, an adventure begins...

This wonderfully illustrated and imaginative tale will take you right to the lush tropical jungles of the Virungas Mountains.

About the Author:

Deborah Dreher Lively is an artist and writer enthusiastically involved in the preservation of the Mountain Gorilla. She has supported and contributed original art work to Partners In Conservation (Columbus Zoo, Columbus, Ohio) fund raising events since 1996. Her previous writings include publication in national and area periodicals.