Zoya and Naru

This is an African story of a boy and a baby elephant, and their unexpected friendship as they journey to reunite Zoya with his elephant herd. The baby elephant is guided by the intrepid boy and a growing coterie of animals. A tender, often amusing, take on the age-old African story of nature and humankind existing together in mutual respect. Their conversations are filled with beautiful African proverbs and life lessons that raise awareness of the plight of Elephants and the need to protect them. The text, by Caroline Montague, is evocative of the African bush, its people and wildlife and their vital importance in the fast-disappearing natural world. Beautifully illustrated by the artist Richie Ryall, this book which will appeal to adults and children as a compelling tale of friendship, courage and hope in the face of adversity. Published in partnership with Elephants Alive, Zoya and Naru is a book which will raise awareness of the plight of elephants and the urgent need to protect them before it’s too late. Elephant lovers and conservationists are currently working against time to tackle the ivory trade, and to create new corridors for animals to move safely across borders as they once did. We are all, as this poignant story reminds us, custodians of our precious environment and the wildlife of Africa. This marvellous book, with its backdrop of survival in the wilds of Africa, makes our duty crystal clear.

Caroline Montague is an acclaimed author known for her captivating storytelling and evocative prose. With a passion for literature that ignited at an early age, Caroline embarked on a lifelong journey of crafting narratives that transport readers to rich and immersive worlds. Throughout her career, Caroline has published several bestselling novels, each exploring themes of love, resilience and the human experience. Her work has garnered praise for its lyrical prose, nuanced characterisation, dedicated research and immersive storytelling. With each book, she invites readers on a journey that transcends time and immerses them in the complexities of the human heart. She is the author of five novels, An Italian Affair (2018), A Paris Secret (2019), Shadows Over the Spanish Sun (2021) with her new book The Pieces of Us coming out this year. She wrote Burnt Norton under the name Caroline Sandon. Richie Ryall is an exceptionally talented and versatile artist and illustrator known for his captivating and imaginative artworks. Inspired by a wide range of artistic influences, Richie developed a unique style that blends elements of realism and abstraction. His illustrations are characterised by intricate details, muted colours and energetic marks, which create visually stunning and Impressionistic pieces. Throughout his career, Richie has collaborated with various clients and projects, including nine books of which he has self-published six. His work has been featured in prominent publications and exhibited in galleries, earning him recognition and admiration from both the artistic community and art enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond his technical skills, Richie possesses a keen storytelling ability. Each illustration he creates tells a unique narrative, inviting viewers to embark on a journey into his imaginative world. Richie Ryall continues to evolve as an artist, experimenting with new techniques and exploring different themes. He strives to inspire others through his artwork and hopes to leave a lasting impact on the world of art and illustration.

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