Children and adults of all ages will be inspired by this true story of Raju, the elephant who cried tears of joy as he was being freed from a lifetime of captivity and hardship. It is the authors hope that Rajus story will instill a greater capacity for empathy and compassion for all animals, and promote conservationist values in our children from a young age.

The largest animal to walk our Earth, the elephant, is a sight to see, whether it’s in the wild or a zoo. But did you know that they are actually a lot like us humans? Readers will learn how this is especially true regarding emotions, such as tears. This instructive resource will engage readers with tales of elephant emotions, such as tears of the death of a family member and concern over another elephant. They will also learn about body language other than tears that indicates their sadness or other emotions. Full-page photos will help readers visualize what they are reading, while a "Words to Know" section will help them master new vocabulary.

The largest animal to walk our Earth, the elephant, is a sight to see, whether it’s in the wild or a zoo. But did you know that they are actually a lot like us humans? Readers will learn how this is especially true regarding emotions, such as tears. This instructive resource will engage readers with tales of elephant emotions, such as tears of the death of a family member and concern over another elephant. They will also learn about body language other than tears that indicates their sadness or other emotions. Full-page photos will help readers visualize what they are reading, while a "Words to Know" section will help them master new vocabulary.

"Dedicated to Raju, the elephant who stole our hearts when he wept during his rescue." Days and nights pass in agony for Raju the elephant. He is the sweetest creature who roves the streets performing his act, like so many other circus animals, so that his masters can make money. At night, chained behind a shed, next to a small tree, winter and summer, in rain, wind or heat, without cover, he travels in his imagination. Only Rosie, the pretty rosefinch, a beautiful bird with melodious voice, keeps him company. Rosie is Raju's only companion. In the evening, Rosie brings water from the river, mixes it with soil and turns it into thick clay to smear on Raju's feet, to heal them. She is his dream, his wind, his hope for freedom. Rosie is freedom. Who says that animals can't feel? Who says that animals can't sense? Who says that animals can be abused? Who has given people the right to do that? So, who will help Raju? Will he manage to live free? What will happen when his master discovers his escape plan? Will Raju follow the advice he once read? "Unhappy is he who waits for someone else to give him happiness. If he doesn't take his life into his own hands, nothing will change."

Deft at handling snakes, finding his way through the forest, and collecting honey from hives, Heera – a tribal boy in colonial India – is well-adapted to the jungle. Saving the life of an elephant calf in his early childhood years earns him the friendship and trust of the animal whom he names Bali. But when Bali is captured during shikar, Heera’s world turns upside down. He vows to free Bali but little does he know, he is head-to-head with a sinister and powerful enemy who speaks a foreign tongue and his quest to free Bali will cause him to stumble upon a collateral truth that will change his life forever. With no friends and family, apart from his mother who wants him to abandon his quest, will Heera succeed? Longlisted – 2020 The Times/Chicken House Competition

I had been looked after by a witch doctor, endured the shame of being named Odur for rubbish pit, following the incident of my umbilical cord and placenta, when the government official turns up and gives me another name, "Munu," which in Acholi is for white man. In my moment of anguish, his simple gesture helps free my mind trapped in shame to wonder, and I begin to imagine the possibility out there for me as Munu.