"This fascinating, fact-filled look at an awesome elephant matriarch shepherding her family will fill readers with wonder and, not so coincidentally, will likely inspire human girls to feel empowered about their own leadership abilities...This leads the way among lovely books about elephants for young children." -Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "This is a high-quality text, making it suitable for any school library or elementary school classroom." -Seattle Book Review "Employing two levels of text (brief, with a large font suitable for young listeners, and more detailed for older children or caregivers, in a smaller font), Smalls introduces the matriarchal society of African elephant herds...Shimokawara's naturalistic illustrations offer realistic depictions of these mammals involved in many different activities, ranging from foraging to frolicking to trumpeting important messages."- Kay Weisman, Booklist "Inspiring the next generation to care about elephants is one of our goals, and She Leads does just that while being compassionate and accurate. We look forward to the future conservationists this book will inspire!"—Sarah Conley, conservation coordinator, International Elephant Foundation "Through lyrical text accompanied by facts on each page, this book celebrates the strength and leadership of an elephant matriarch...The narrative is well told and offers enough information to educate readers without overwhelming them. The focus on female leadership is powerful and timely and presents opportunities to draw connections with other animal societies (including human ones)." -School Library Journal
" She Leads captures that awe on many levels and sends strong and meaningful messages about the importance of family, leadership, and compassion."- Mike McClure, Maryland Zoo general curator and elephant collection manager "With simple, yet lyrical text and stunning illustrations, She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch beautifully demonstrates the elegant grace and proud nature of these extraordinary animals for young readers."- Lindsay Ward, author and illustrator of Don't Forget Dexter She Leads manages tobe both straightforward and moving, fact-filled and lyrical, and always firmly grounded in the power, nurturing strength, and beauty of the elephant matriarch and her legacy to those who will follow. Yumi Shimokawara's naturalistic illustrations bring the queen and her society to life, while June Small's main text offers the elegance of poetry, filled out by more information in the sidebars on each page. Ideal for story time, the classroom, or bedtime reading."- Kathy MacMillan, librarian and coauthor of She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World "This beautifully illustrated book has my two favorite things: nature and girl power. Its tender family story is paired, on each page, with facts about the matriarchal society of elephants, which means kids who love strict nonfiction and those who prefer a story line will both be satisfied. A must-have in every child's library."- Heidi E. Y. Stemple, poet and author of Counting Birds: The Idea that Helped Save Our Feathered Friends
A beautiful story that shows the affection elephants share for one another and the challenges they face. Readers will enjoy following this dedicated matriarch while learning about elephants at the same time.She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch has moments of heartbreak, joy, and resilience—much like the lives of elephants themselves.
author of Song for a Whale and Chained Lynne Kelly
June Smalls'sShe Leads: The Elephant Matriarch is trunk-full of facts about how female elephant societies function. From raising their young and defending against predators to traveling miles and miles to lead their families to food, elephant matriarchs get the job done! This beautiful nonfiction picture book is perfect for a mama, aunt, grandma, sister, or daughter in your life. And for all the princesses out there (elephant AND human)... one day YOU will lead!
host of Picture Book Spotlight Brian Gehrlein
I am very impressed with the text, the illustrations, and the tone of the book on many levels. The illustrations are rich, the text is well-researched, and the story is one that many people will connect with easily. I am heartened and excited by the messages and information presented in regards to the wonderful social structure and the amazing behavior of these incredible creatures. Elephants have been role models for me in life for over twenty years, and I am in awe of them with every new fact that I learn and with every new insight into how they see the world and one another.She Leads captures that awe on many levels and sends strong and meaningful messages about the importance of family, leadership, and compassion.
Maryland Zoo general curator and elephant collecti Mike McClure
With simple, yet lyrical text and stunning illustrations, She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch beautifully demonstrates the elegant grace and proud nature of these extraordinary animals for young readers.
author and illustrator of Don't Forget Dexter Lindsay Ward
A quietly powerful book about real girl power in the animal kindom.She Leads manages tobe both straightforward and moving, fact-filled and lyrical, and always firmly grounded in the power, nurturing strength, and beauty of the elephant matriarch and her legacy to those who will follow. Yumi Shimokawara's naturalistic illustrations bring the queen and her society to life, while June Small's main text offers the elegance of poetry, filled out by more information in the sidebars on each page. Ideal for story time, the classroom, or bedtime reading.
librarian and coauthor of She Spoke: 14 Women Kathy MacMillan
This beautifully illustrated book has my two favorite things: nature and girl power. Its tender family story is paired, on each page, with facts about the matriarchal society of elephants, which means kids who love strict nonfiction and those who prefer a story line will both be satisfied. A must-have in every child's library.
poet and author of Counting Birds: The Idea th Heidi E. Y. Stemple
04/01/2020
PreS-Gr 1— Through lyrical text accompanied by facts on each page, this book celebrates the strength and leadership of an elephant matriarch. She is a powerful and nurturing figure responsible for many important tasks: passing down knowledge to younger generations about gathering food, finding water, and caring for the orphans of other elephants. Soft illustrations in muted colors accompany the text. The narrative is well told and offers enough information to educate readers without overwhelming them. The focus on female leadership is powerful and timely and presents opportunities to draw connections with other animal societies (including human ones). However, what is noticeably lacking is any sort of back matter—in particular, a list of sources or suggestions for further reading. While the illustrations are lovely, they simply mirror the facts that are shared on the page without adding much to the overall reading experience. VERDICT Recommended for additional purchase due to the lack of sources or other back matter.—Lauren Hathaway, University of British Columbia
★ 2020-02-26
An elephant group or family is a matriarchal society, usually led by the eldest female among them. The matriarch’s most important jobs are to lead the group to food and water, to teach new mothers how to care for their young, and to protect her family from enemies and threats. She comforts and helps care for orphaned calves and keeps a watchful eye over the youngsters as they grow. Under the matriarch’s expert tutelage, group members learn all the skills they need so a new “queen” will be able to assume leadership after her death. This fascinating, fact-filled look at an awesome elephant matriarch shepherding her family will fill readers with wonder and, not so coincidentally, will likely inspire human girls to feel empowered about their own leadership abilities. The text is presented twofold: as a sweet, simple story on double-page spreads and, in a smaller font throughout, as rich factual information. The illustrations, near-photographic in their realism, are exceptional. With gentle, muted background colors to enhance the elephants’ gray hides, the artwork provides true, endearing depictions of these marvelous animals in their habitat (Africa, judging by their ears). Illustrations presenting young elephants are delightful; one heart-rending scene depicts a tearful elder beside a deceased matriarch.
This leads the way among lovely books about elephants for young children. (Informational picture book. 4-8)
