The Zabajaba Jungle

The Zabajaba Jungle is amazing. Its flora and fauna are like nothing ever seen before. Leonard is the first human who has ever entered the jungle, and perils lie in wait behind each bush. But he has a bolo and is brave, and with his cunning and the help of some animal friends, Leonard makes his way through this dreamy land of adventure.

William Steig (1907-2003) was a cartoonist, illustrator and author of award-winning books for children, includingShrek!, on which the DreamWorks movies are based. In 1930, Steig's work began appearing inThe New Yorker, where his drawings have been a popular fixture ever since. He published his first children's book,Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968. In 1970, Steig received the Caldecott Medal forSylvester and the Magic Pebble. His books for children also include Dominic; The Real Thief; The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book;Amos & Boris, a National Book Award finalist; and Abel's Island andDoctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. He died in Boston at the age of 95.