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Saturday, March 7, 2020

She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch, written by June Smalls and illustrated by Yumi Shimokawara. Familius, Raincoast, 2020. $22.99 ages 4 and up

"She teaches her children
and their children and their
children so that when she is
gone another matriarch will
lead her family.

Elephants are not born with all the skills they need. They learn from their elders. This includes interacting with other elephants, foraging, and safety. "

The quiet confidence of the oldest female elephant in this matriarchal family inspires from the first page. She is surrounded by the younger animals in her group.

In following pages, young readers learn about her many daily teachings. Her primary task is to ensure that there is food and water to sustain all. She also helps new mothers learn to care for their young, and works to protect her charges from any perceived threat to their safety.

"When danger arrives,
she protects and stands strong against threats."

With her continued guidance and tender care, the other elephants in the herd prosper. Because she is ever vigilant and always observant of their actions, she teaches the other females the many skills they will need to become leader when she is no longer with them.

Little ones are fascinated by the majesty and size of these gentle giants, and will find much to admire about them here. A story of strength and empowerment told simply, it also presents abundant and accurate facts in smaller, bolded font. The illustrations will intrigue and delight young readers who are the target audience. It is very important to have accessible books for this age group. This is a wonderful addition to both classroom and home libraries.

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