How It Was with Dooms: A True Story from Africa

By Carol Cawthra Hopcraft and Xan Hopcraft

Book Overview

Twelve-year-old Xan Hopcraft grew up with a pet cheetah at his home in Nairobi, Kenya. When the magnificent animal died, Xan wrote a story about what it was like to own a cheetah and how he died. With both photographs and Xan's own drawings, here is a real story of life in Africa.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689835396
• ISBN13: 9780689835391
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.3" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Incredible story incredible pictures

My son wanted this book when he heard about it at a book fair at school. It is an incredible book. We love the way it is written from a little boys perspective (Xan was 10 when the book was written.) We recently had the opportunity to meet Carol Hopcraft and her husband when they came to our city. Dooms was not really a pet - he was free to go as he liked - but he did not ever leave them. He hunted - he was not feed like a pet once he reached maturity. Shallah, his successor, did the same. I am sure their current cheetah does it as well. The book is heartwarming and is written with the love and respect they had for Dooms. This is even more evident when they talk about their life with Dooms. They, more than most of us, understand that cheetahs are wild animals. This book is not meant to tote the benefits of have a pet cheetah - it is book about the bond between humans and animals.

Great book for Kids or Adults

Why is it that "kids" books are sometimes so much more interesting than Adult books? As if upon reaching adulthood we some how lose interest in animals. Well, perhaps I'm a kid at heart. I found this a great book. This is a very touching story about a family's relationship with an adopted Cheetah Cub. The story is simple yet full of truth and insight. For me, it highlights the need to see animals as dignified creatures in need of our compassion and protection. This is a book that will hopefully send an important message to young readers.Regardless of whether Cheetahs should be or should not be, or were or were not domesticated, this is a cool book with neat photos and I highly recommend it.

Amazing cheetah pictures, glimpse into a cool way of life

We love this book! The pictures are amazing. I just wish they were twice as big. I would love to see a reprint on large, glossy paper. The story is really humorous and touching.

A wonderful book for animal lovers of any age.

I heard about this book on National Public Radio some time ago and bought it for my 7-year-old nephew. I had a hard time giving it up. The story is told from the boy's perspective, which can get a little self-conscious. But the text and photos tell an incredible story of a family's relationship and affection for a marvelous animal few of us will ever be able to get this close to. It's now one of my nephew's favorite books .... and mine, too.

not just for the kids - parents will love it too.

one of the most delightful 'happy ending' stories the little ones (or their parents!) will ever read. This is a 'children's book' you'll be proud to leave on your coffee table.