On the beautiful African savanna, a baby rhino called Ayubu spends happy days with his mother Nthanda and their friend, Imari the cattle egret. Life is peaceful for the most part, but the ever-present threat of poachers looms. In the face of a tragic loss, Ayubu must make a promise to be brave and survive. In a world where dangers abound, can one little rhino keep such a big promise?
A story of family and friendship, loss and courage, and above all, hope.
"The Last Rhino tells a poignant story in a gentle voice and through kind, brave characters that children are sure to love. Its premise is sad, but also an important reminder of all that is truly at stake for the endangered rhinoceros. Under the stars, Ayubu wishes for 'somebody else like me.' Here's to Ayubu realizing his dream! In the meantime, every purchase of The Last Rhino supports critically important rhino conservation efforts."
Kaddu Sebunya, President, African Wildlife Foundation
From the award-winning author/illustrator team that created Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly and Oy, Elephants!
Hill, Krista: - Krista Hill is the owner of L Talbott Editorial, providing editorial and publishing consulting services to authors across multiple genres.
Spicer, Morgan: - Morgan Spicer, like Stevenson, believes kindness can make a world of difference in anyone's life, be it a young reader, a parent or a four-legged friend. Vegan and dog mom, Spicer will one day open the doors to a creative and cruelty-free oasis: a place where humans and animals, young and old, can come together every day, to celebrate the beauty of nature and embrace the importance of kindness and compassion. Morgan Spicer has illustrated over twenty children's books, including Deborah Stevenson's Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly and Oy, Elephants! She lives in the woods by the beach with her four rescue dogs and her husband.
Stevenson, Deborah: - The Last Rhino reunites an award-winning team: author Deborah Stevenson and illustrator Morgan Spicer. Their picture books have won numerous awards, including Best Children's Non-Fiction Book, Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly and Feathered Quill's Best Children's Animal Book for Oy, Elephants! Stevenson and Spicer share a passion for animals that is the heart and soul of their collaboration, and a strong desire to share that passion with children. The Last Rhino is their first chapter book. Deborah enjoyed the freedom to explore more complex plots and characters, and Morgan, the opportunity to utilize her formidable talents in black and white illustrations. For both, the driving force behind this project was to raise awareness and funds to help perilously endangered rhinos survive for future generations. In addition to sharing her love of animals with children, Deborah Stevenson's books convey positive messages about believing in your abilities⎯-to achieve your goals, to make positive differences in the world, and to be kind to yourself and others. A former technical writer, literature major, and a mother, children's books have proven to be a perfect outlet for Deborah's interests. She lives in New Jersey with a few too many dogs, but wouldn't trade any of them. When she is not marketing telecomm products at her day job, or writing, she enjoys training for and competing in the sport of dog agility.
