“Open your eyes, Princess. One day you will lead.”
She is the elephant matriarch, the powerful leader of her daughters and granddaughters. She teaches them, protects them, and one day, will pass on the torch of leadership to them.
This week we read She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch, by June Smalls, illustrated by Yumi Shimokawara. It follows the journey of African elephants and their elephant matriarch, as she leads her family with wisdom and incredible power. Every page contains facts about elephants, lovingly illustrated and described. I was amazed to learn about the vital role of the elephant matriarch. She is a powerful and compassionate leader, an amazing force responsible for protecting her family from danger, as well as empowering the next generation of leadership. Before reading this book I truly had no idea the central role that the elephant matriarch plays in the lives of elephants. She is their protector, teacher, leader and guide.
We really enjoyed reading this empowering story celebrating female leadership and relationships. Not only was it interesting, especially for kids who love learning about animals, but it was also a captivating story. I love teaching my kids about the animals who share this world with us, and why it is important to care for them. The image of the baby elephant grieving over the body of its mother, slain by a poacher, was particularly sad. It is a reminder of the toll our actions can have on the natural world, and why we should be thoughtful and aware of the other living creatures with whom we share our planet.
We loved this book and gave it a 5/5!!🐘
Have you read She Leads? If so, what did you think about it. Did you learn anything new?
Wishing you a great Friday and a very happy weekend!
-Colorful Swans Press
Colorful Swans Press 