One day in 1999, Lawrence Anthony and Françoise Malby hear that a herd of wild African elephants needs a new home. They welcome the elephants to their wildlife sanctuary--Thula Thula--with open arms. But the elephants are much less sure they want to stay. How will Lawrence prove to them that they are safe and loved? What follows is a gorgeously illustrated real-life story of a friendship . . . and the story of the miraculous way that love given freely will return--greater and more wonderful than it began.

- TOUCHING ANIMAL FRIENDSHIPS: Owen and Mzee, Tarra and Bella, Rescue and Jessica . . . touching true stories of the emotional bonds possible between species are charming, and speak to the limitlessness of love.
- ELEPHANT APPEAL: Elephants are one of the most fascinating and charming wild animals in all of nature. This heartwarming true story will intrigue and inspire children, and turn even the most reluctant readers into elephant enthusiasts.
- CONSERVATION THEME: This book tells the true story of caring for one of the world's most beloved endangered animals: the African elephant. This book is a great, upbeat jumping-off point for discussions of the importance of preserving endangered species and their environments.
- ENGAGING NONFICTION: There's no better way to get readers hooked on factual books than to offer them real-life stories with heart and meaning.
- STRONG CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) emphasize learning about animal habitats/biomes in K-2 curriculums, while later grades address topics like conservation and endangered species. With a depth of research and an engaging, highly visual narrative, this book is an excellent resource for librarians and primary school educators.

Award winning!
2022 Norman A. Sugarman Children's Biography Honor Award
2022-23 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award Primary Grade Winner
2023 Minnesota Comstock-Gág Book Award Winner
2022 Blue Grass Award Finalist
2022-23 Alabama Children's Choice Camellia Award Finalist grades 2-3
2023-24 California Young Reader Award Finalist
2023-24 Iowa Goldfinch Award Finalist
2024 Utah Beehive Award Finalist
2024 Connecticut Nutmeg Award Finalist
2024 Illinois Bluestem Award Finalist grades 3-5
2024 California Young Readers Medal Winner

Perfect for:

• Kindergarten and elementary school teachers
• Parents and grandparents
• Librarians
• Lovers of animals, wildlife, and the natural world
• Zoo and natural history museumgoers