Mogo, The Third Warthog by Donna Jo Napoli

This book takes you into the mind of a warthog growing up on the African savanna. Mogo is the third warthog in his litter and he dutifully follows his brothers on their daily forages to eat and drink. The sounder (group of warthogs) is constantly on the lookout for predators including lions and especially a pack of wild dogs. Once Mogo's mother gives birth to her most recent litter, Mogo and his brothers are cast out on their own to survive, which hightens the danger. He encounters giraffees, baboons, and has several narrow escapes with the wild dogs that prowl the savanna. The book gives a good introduction into the variety of life on the savanna although it is a bit too anthropomorphic in its depiction of the animals. Still it would be an enjoyable book for children who enjoy animal stories. Mogo, The Third Warthog by Donna Jo Napoli. Illustrated by Lita Judge. Hyperion Books for Children, 2008.