Pansy in Africa ― Mystery of the Missing Lion Cub

Pansy the poodle and her friend Avery have solved mysteries all over the world. Their newest adventure takes them on safari to Africa, where they volunteer to find a missing lion cub. As the two sleuths and their guides follow paw prints and other clues, they see and learn about the exotic landscape and animals of Africa. In the end, the cub is reunited with his family, and everyone learns that our differences make each of us special.

Cynthia Bardes and her husband, David, spend each fall at a Beverly Hills hotel with their toy poodle, Pansy.

Inspiration for this series was born out of random misfortune. One day, when crossing Wilshire Boulevard, Cynthia was struck by a car. Her injuries required surgery and a lengthy recuperation at the hotel. While bedridden, Cynthia's vivid imagination and Pansy's popularity with employees and guests of the hotel made for a perfect story.

A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Cynthia is a former dress designer and interior decorator. When not in Los Angeles, Cynthia, David, and Pansy, live in Vero Beach, Florida.

Virginia Best is an artist whose paintings and photographs have been exhibited nationally. She lives with her husband and three poodles in Eden, Vermont.