A sensitive young girl, shocked and confused by the death of her cat, learns the roles that predator and prey play in the balance of nature. Through experiences at school with her teacher, at home with her father and her grandmother, and through her own journey in nature, the girl learns why some animals kill and eat other animals in order to live. Colored illustrations accompany the story. The separate teacher's guide provides educators with information, activities, and play that can easily be incorporated into wildlife and nature study programs. Included are the history of the persecution of predators due to human ignorance and fear; profiles of predatory mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and marine life; a listing of places where wildlife and habitat are protected; humans as predators; death in nature; and evidence of change in today's attitudes. Background information for the teacher precedes activities and can be incorporated into pre-existing lessons. Also included are a glossary; a list of related books, Web sites, teaching resources, curriculum guides, conservation groups, and youth groups about predators and prey; and regional offices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (SJR)