Glen and the Elephant is a conservation book that draws attention to the plight of elephants orphaned through illegal poaching.

In this book, we join Glen as he takes a walk through the African bush. Soon, he discovers the tracks of poachers that lead him to a baby elephant, alone and grieving next to its mother. The orphaned elephant is rescued and sent to live at a sanctuary dedicated to the needs of elephants where she makes new friends.

About Glen and the Elephant

Poaching is one of the deadliest threats to elephants across Africa. These gentle giants will face extinction if they continue to be killed for their tusks at such a rapid rate. Elephants are listed as endangered and protected species in South Africa. Despite this, the demand for ivory still exists in regions such as Japan and the EU. The black market also creates a large demand for elephant products.

In addition to the loss of adult elephants, poaching also has a major effect on the young elephant calves left behind when their mothers are killed. Elephants are extremely sensitive creatures that have a complex social structure. They are capable of great emotion, including grief. Young elephants require rehabilitation and care at specialist orphanages, where they can be raised by caretakers who work tirelessly and acting as substitute 'mothers' to each calf, caring for them until they are old enough to begin the reintegration process. They are also raised among other orphaned elephants, giving them a chance to be part of a herd as they grow.

Written for children and adults alike, Glen and his orphaned elephant friend highlight the devastation that poaching causes in elephant populations. Simple black and white illustrations remind us that there are no grey areas when it comes to wildlife protection.

20% of all proceeds from the sale of the Glen and the Elephant conservation book will be donated to HERD Trust (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development), an elephant orphanage working tirelessly to assist orphaned elephants.

Q&A
Why are the illustrations drawn from the character's point of view?
When illustrating the books the main focus was to be inclusive and not limit the reader and the listener's imagination of who or what the characters may represent to them.

Why is the artwork in the books in black and white?
There are no grey areas when it comes to fighting against wildlife extinction. Furthermore, children bring the colour as they view the world in a way/perspective that seems otherworldly to us at times. Children are also our future so we, the adults, who can take action, are responsible for fighting for a better tomorrow today for them. Lastly, this provides the reader with the opportunity to add their colour to the story and thereby making it their own.