5Once upon a time...As the story goes, back in France there was once a handsome prince. He wanted to impress his lovely lady with wonderful gifts during the 12 days of Christmas, which begin on December 26. He brought her things such as a partridge in a pear tree, and FIVE GOLDEN RINGS! Ah, but what if the handsome prince lived in the lush African savanna? What gifts would he present to his lovely lady? The Twelve Days of Christmas Safari is a recreation of this classic holiday tale, inviting everyone, young and old, to embark on a magical journey for the chance to snag 12 priceless gifts of wildlife sightings whilst on safari in Africa. It's a feast to the eye, as all across the savanna, a superb starling balances gracefully on top of a fever tree, or up ahead, on the dusty, winding, endless road, FIVE LION CUBS sprint playfully alongside their protective mama. These images are captured in striking brush strokes on canvas, beautifully illustrating what Christmastime looks like in Africa. This timeless, holiday book is the rendition of Wakanyi (author and curator of African folktales) and Milena (illustrator, silversmith and wildlife painter), two African bush girls who spent their childhood barefoot, sometimes rolling dung beetles on footpaths to school in Kenya. There were no handsome princes arriving at Christmas bearing expensive gifts, but the sweeping views of animals grazing in the wild were always guaranteed throughout the year. During the holidays in December, going for a bush game-drive in a national park, under sunny, blue skies, is a favourite tradition that these two moms have continued to pass down to their children. On the surface, this is an adventure story set to delight children aged 3-7, but beyond that, it is an environmental citizenship lesson for readers of all ages, aimed at creating awareness about the African wilderness and what is still left to offer humanity. We encourage readers to consider how this ecosystem plays a vital role in balancing the cycle of life on our shared planet, and urge everyone to support sustainable conservation efforts that will ensure the continued survival of these majestic animals. We believe that nature is the only gift that keeps on giving, year after year. Pass it on....Camera, Binoculars, boots, hat, let's go on safari!