BoBo Finds a Friend
Book One in BoBo & Iris
This is the first title in the BoBo and Iris series of books, about BoBo, an orphaned baby elephant who lives in an Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya. His friend, Iris, a wise and whimsical Egret teaches him how to meet the challenges of coping with the trauma of losing his mother and being accepted by a new herd of Elephants
All books in the series are intended to explore the life skills learned by elementary schoolers, as well as themes of endangered African wildlife.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of this book is donated to Elephant Aid International and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, organisations dedicated to elephant conservation. For more information on how you can support these organisations read on.
Published October 2021.
Illustrator - Tina Salvesen
Artist, Tina Salvesen, is an established painter, illustrator and art teacher based in Miami, Florida. Her work focuses on fine mark making with the use of charcoal, pencil, ink, watercolor, pastels, paint and encaustic to create her artwork.
Regarded as a master draftsman, she has won many awards in various shows throughout the USA and abroad. Tina's deep affection for her grandchild and young children everywhere inspires her children's book illustrations.
Reviews
"Bobo Finds A Friend is a really endearing book, with lovely illustrations and a truly moving story. It gently reminds us that bad things happen, and then shifts seamlessly into an uplifting tale of friendship and recovery. There are good things waiting for Bobo, thanks to the devotion of his new friend Iris, and I think it gives children a real sense of the power of friendship. I have numerous former students with young children; I plan to send them copies of Bobo Finds a Friend to read with their kids. Great book."
Linda C
"The story is so tender and it takes you through many emotions. We get a glimpse of how Bobo became an orphan so it may be a little emotional for small children. Soon the egret flies in and the story takes a hopeful turn. My son loved the egret that motivates Bobo to turn around and go back to the elephant sanctuary. He spent most of the week after getting the book playing “elephant and egret” with his brother."
One More Book, Mama
I proudly support
Elephant Conservation
To learn more or to get involved visit The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Elephant Aid International.
Elephants are not only the largest land mammal on earth, but they are also incredibly intelligent, emotional, self-aware and highly social creatures. Despite their significance in the environment, elephants face numerous threats to their survival due to ivory poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat destruction. In the early 20th century, African elephant populations were estimated to be between 3-5 million, but today, it is estimated that there are only 400,000 left.
Elephants are a keystone species, meaning their presence has a significant impact on the ecosystem in which they live. Without them, entire ecosystems would be drastically altered or cease to exist. Elephants' dietary habits and movements help create and maintain habitats for other animals such as antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, as well as smaller animals and insects. They can travel over 80km in a day, when it rains, their large footprints act as water collectors and serve as a vital water source for smaller animals, and they play an essential role in the spread of plant seeds by pulling up grass and bushes when they eat, making room for new plants to grow while also dispersing plant seeds to new areas through their dung.