How It Was with Dooms facts for kids
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| Author | Carol Cawthra Hopcraft Xan Hopcraft |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Margaret K. McElderry |
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Publication date
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1997 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 64 (first edition) |
| ISBN | 0-689-81091-1 |
| OCLC | 34190718 |
| 599.74/428 | |
| LC Class | QL737.C23 H655 1997 |
How It Was with Dooms is a special children's book. It tells a true story about a boy and his amazing friendship with a cheetah. The book was written by Carol Cawthra Hopcraft and her young son, Xan Hopcraft. Xan actually told his mom the story!
The story takes place on their family's game ranch in Kenya, Africa. A game ranch is a large area where wild animals live safely. Carol Hopcraft is a talented wildlife photographer. She took all the beautiful pictures for the book. Xan, her son, drew the illustrations. The book was published in 1997 by Margaret K. McElderry, which is part of Simon & Schuster. It is 64 pages long.
Contents
The True Story of Dooms the Cheetah
This book shares the real-life adventures of Xan and his cheetah friend, Dooms. Dooms was an orphaned cheetah cub. This means he lost his parents when he was very young. The Hopcraft family took him in and cared for him.
A Unique Friendship
Xan and Dooms grew up together. They played games and explored the ranch. Their bond shows how animals and humans can become close friends. The book helps readers understand the special connection they shared. It also teaches about caring for wildlife.
Life on a Game Ranch
The Hopcraft family lived on a game ranch in Kenya. This is a place where wild animals are protected. They often help animals that are hurt or orphaned. Living on a ranch means being close to nature. It also means seeing many different animals every day.
Caring for Wild Animals
Taking care of an orphaned cheetah is a big job. Dooms needed food, shelter, and lots of attention. The family made sure Dooms was healthy and happy. They helped him learn how to be a cheetah. This included teaching him important skills.
About the Authors
The book was a special project for Carol and Xan Hopcraft. Carol is known for her wildlife photography. Her pictures bring the story of Dooms to life. Xan was very young when he shared his story. His words show the world through a child's eyes.
Carol Cawthra Hopcraft
Carol is a professional wildlife photographer. She has spent a lot of time in Africa. Her work often focuses on the animals and landscapes of Kenya. She uses her camera to share the beauty of nature.
Xan Hopcraft
Xan was a young boy when he dictated the story of Dooms. This makes the book very special. It is rare for a child to be a co-author of a published book. His perspective makes the story feel real and personal.
About Cheetahs
Cheetahs are amazing big cats. They are known for being the fastest land animals. They can run incredibly fast for short distances.
Cheetah Characteristics
Cheetahs have a slender body and long legs. Their fur is yellowish-tan with black spots. They have a unique "tear mark" that runs from their eyes to their mouth. This helps them see better in bright sunlight.
Habitat and Life Cycle
Cheetahs live mostly in Africa. They prefer open grasslands and savannas. They hunt small and medium-sized animals. Female cheetahs usually have 2-4 cubs. The cubs stay with their mother for about 18 months. They learn how to hunt and survive during this time.
Cheetah Conservation
Sadly, cheetahs are an endangered species. Their numbers are decreasing. This is due to habitat loss and other threats. Books like How It Was with Dooms help people learn about cheetahs. They also encourage people to protect these wonderful animals.
The Film Adaptation: Duma
The book How It Was with Dooms was later made into a movie. The film is called Duma. It came out in 2005. The movie tells a similar story of a boy and his cheetah friend. It shows their adventures in Africa.
