Winner Children’s Book International USA
Finalist Wishing Shelf Book Award UK
She loved animals. She never gave up. She saved elephants.
"Mother To Elephants" is an inspiring true story for kids ages 6 to 9 about Daphne Sheldrick, a compassionate young girl who grew up in Africa caring for injured and orphaned wild animals. From the time she was little, Daphne wanted to help every creature she met. But one day, her biggest challenge arrived—a tiny orphaned elephant named Aisha.
Daphne’s heart sank when she realized Aisha could not survive without her mother’s milk. No one had ever successfully created formula for orphaned baby elephants before.
With determination, patience, and love, Daphne set out to do what no one thought was possible.
Perfect for young readers and animal lovers, this engaging nonfiction biography follows Daphne’s remarkable journey from caring for small wild animals to becoming a world-famous protector of elephants in Africa. Along the way, children discover the qualities that helped her succeed: courage, perseverance, empathy, and hope.
In this uplifting biography, kids will:
- See themselves in Daphne’s story: A caring young girl whose compassion for animals grew into a life-changing mission.
- Learn about wildlife and conservation: Fascinating “ele-fantastic” facts introduce kids to elephants and the importance of protecting nature.
- Discover the power of perseverance: Daphne’s determination shows children how creativity and hard work can overcome even impossible challenges.
- Be inspired to make a difference: Her story reminds kids that one person’s kindness can help change the world.
Praised by Readers’ Favorite, Children’s Book International, Firebird Book Awards, and more, this multi-award-winning book also includes a special bonus childhood scene and a fun hands-on STEM activity for curious young minds.
Perfect for fans of: Who Was Jane Goodall?, Shark Lady, Leaf Detective, and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, as well as other books about real-world heroes.
If you’re searching for a book that celebrates kindness, courage, perseverance, and the wonders of the natural world, "Mother To Elephants" is the perfect choice.
Buy "Mother To Elephants" today and begin an unforgettable adventure that proves one person truly can change the world.
R.G. de Rouen is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature in Connecticut and writes fiction that inspires a love of reading with a pinch of humor along the way. Throughout his 25+ years as an elementary teacher throughout the world, he has also been an advocate of animal and nature protection which he brings into his nonfiction stories.Books For Benjamin, his first picture book, has been widely recognized and received several awards, including the 2024 Readers' Choice Gold Award Winner for Best Children's Book (Ages 3-7) and the Readers' Favorite Silver Medal. Like his fictional character Benjamin, R.G. de Rouen can't live without books! Mother To Elephants, a non-fiction picture book biography, portrays the life of Dame Daphne Sheldrick. Her dedication in rescuing baby orphan elephants in Kenya, serves as a great inspiration to children and adults alike. To find out more about the author, please visit him at rgderouen.com
Kateryna Rohotova (Kate) is an illustrator from Ukraine. She graduated from Luhansk State Institute of Culture and Arts as a digital artist. She worked for eight years as a 2D artist in the gaming industry, but in 2018 she became a freelance artist. Now her favorite part of her job is creating watercolor illustrations for children's books. Her hobbies include handmade crafts, photography, cooking, and aquariums... but drawing is the main passion of her life.
