Nigel - The Adventures of a Baby Elephant

Patsy Smith Roberts' captivating picture book carries us along this endearing youngster's eventful journey. Nigel soon discovers that when faced with life's greatest uncertainties, even elephants need one really good friend. In Nigel's case that's a saucy Meerkat named Moe who knows exactly what Nigel needs. As this pair travels through Botswana, they have to deal with dangers galore in an adventure that's sure to delight and enrich young readers. Nigel offers us lessons about what really matters - even to a little fellow who happens to be wrinkled and gray.

Patsy Smith Roberts has just returned from her 20th trip to Africa. Her first trip in the early 1990's ignited a passion for the continent as well as for wildlife photography. On safari she has visited Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and her beloved Botswana. Patsy's Africa inspired her to fill another lifelong dream of writing children's books. In 2001, she established Savuti Muti Publishing and published her first book, Rory - The Adventures of a Lion Cub, a collaboration with Gillian Cullinan, a South African travel writer. Since the publication of Rory, Smith Roberts has written and illustrated three other books, Kabelo - The Adventures of a Baby Giraffe, Willis the Warthog, and her latest book, Nigel - The Adventures of a Baby Elephant. The books, illustrated through her many photographs, aim to foster a sense of self-worth in all children - showing them that we are all different but special in our own way. Ms. Roberts' photographs that help tell the story are stunning and captivating for children and adults, alike. She has visited thousands of children in elementary schools throughout the Southeastern United States. Patsy Smith Roberts grew up on a farm in Southeast Georgia and has lived on St. Simons Island, Georgia for the past 40 years.