Savanna's Treasure

by Chris Behrens

Overview

"The book's narrative is smooth and well-paced, interspersed with exciting close calls, twists and turns. The action sequences are so descriptive they seem cinematic..." - BlueInk Review

"...good fit for early readers...inspiring animal alliance..." - Kirkus Reviews

"The award-winning Savanna's Treasure stands out as a unique piece of children's literature, offering a richly detailed story that not only entertains but also imparts knowledge about the African plains and the importance of community...The story is a treasure trove of educational tidbits about the plains, from the revelation that poachers hunt mice to the insight that pelicans devour eggs and rhinos have poor eyesight. This engaging narrative ensures that readers are not just entertained, but also enlightened..." 

- The Children's Book Review

Set in the stunning landscape of the Serengeti, "Savanna's Treasure" follows the heartwarming journey of Shamba, an African field mouse, and Kali, a baby elephant, as they overcome incredible odds and forge an unbreakable bond. Their story, enriched by an inspiring animal alliance, earned the book a Silver Medal in the 2015 Moonbeam Awards for Early Reader Chapter Books. In a glowing review, Kirkus Reviews praised the book as "a good fit for early readers" and Midwest Book Reviews hailed it as "a fine read that takes an adventure story format and weaves it into something far greater."

The unlikely duo must face poachers, raging fires, and savage predators as they navigate the dangers of the wild Serengeti. But when they find themselves on a pirate ship bound for America, their journey becomes even more perilous. Will their courage, determination, and wit be enough to see them through?

Fans of popular animal adventure books like "The One and Only Ivan" and "The Wild Robot" will be captivated by the heartwarming tale of Shamba and Kali. This book is a must-read for young readers who love stories of friendship, courage, and adventure. Don't miss out on "Savanna's Treasure" - a thrilling and inspiring read for all ages.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781087944197
Publisher:	Chris Behrens
Publication date:	09/19/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	132
Lexile:	780L (what's this?)
File size:	3 MB
Age Range:	6 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

2014-06-18
In Behren’s first illustrated children’s book, a field mouse and a young elephant form an unlikely friendship as they seek refuge from evil poachers.Shamba, a friendly Serengeti field mouse, lives at an American zoologist’s campsite with his friend Panya. The two mice enjoy the American’s food and protection from the gnarly gang of poachers who entrap field mice. One day, when the mice wander offsite in search of entertainment, they return to find the camp’s been burned to the ground.In place of Sarah, their American protector, they find a black bandanna marking the recent presence of the poacher gang. Fleeing the site and losing Panya, Shamba encounters a small elephant named Kali and catches a ride on her tail to safety from the poachers. Shamba befriends Kali and her elephant family as they learn that many of the Serengeti animals now share the common goal of escaping the evil poachers. Kali’s wise grandmother Savanna devises a plan for the elephants to safely migrate, and the elephants give Shamba a ride as they embark on their great journey.Along the way, Shamba and Kali meet other animal friends, united in their evasion of the poachers. However, more danger lies ahead, and the young animals must bravely fight for their survival. Brief chapters and easy-to-follow language make this story a good fit for early readers. A few simple black-and-white illustrations highlight moments throughout the story. At times, though, Behren’s descriptions of some of the more action-packed sequences are a bit convoluted; more illustrations might facilitate a young reader’s understanding of the detailed events being described.Ultimately, the story shows how the animals’ abilities to overcome their differences and join as allies, along with the help of their human friends, aid them in their success. Some readers, however, might wonder what happens to other animals at the hands of poachers.A typical good guys/bad guys story enriched by an inspiring animal alliance.

Kirkus Reviews