Raising Awareness about Elephant Poaching

Poaching is a cruel practice that has been around for centuries and is still a significant threat to elephants in many parts of the world. While adults are typically more well-informed about the severity of this issue, children can also play an essential role in raising awareness and preventing future illegal hunts. 

Teaching Children

It's important to educate younger generations about this pressing issue so they can become informed advocates for conservation later in life. Schools should implement education programs that teach children about the ethical implications and dangers of elephant poaching—how individuals can help make a difference with conservation initiatives and by supporting organizations dedicated to this cause. In addition, interactive activities and field trips may be particularly effective. They can show children first-hand why protecting endangered wildlife is necessary.

Ultimately, education will lead to positive change when fighting against the devastating effects of elephant poaching. We must continually strive to spread knowledge and inform people to prevent further harm; otherwise, future generations may not get the chance to experience these majestic creatures outside of books or pictures.

How can children’s books help in this cause?

Children's books offer a fun and creative way to engage with children while conveying important conservation messages. For example, some books may focus on stories featuring fictional characters who fight against poachers or feature true stories that describe how babies are orphaned after hunters tragically kill their mothers. Other stories provide real-life examples from areas affected by poaching, such as India or Africa, so kids can better understand why elephant conservation efforts are so necessary worldwide. 

Is it a great way to get the message out?

Yes. Using children's books to teach lessons about elephant poaching is an effective way to raise awareness among young minds. They are the ones who need help understanding how severe and far-reaching this issue is. However, it's also essential that adults share these powerful stories with younger generations. That way, they can help create passionate future advocates for wildlife conservation—who will know precisely how they can make a difference when protecting endangered animals.

Poaching: A Growing Problem

The hunting of elephants has been a problem in the animal kingdom for centuries, but it is an issue that has only recently become more prominent. As humans increasingly encroach upon their natural habitats and poachers increase their efforts to capture these animals for their ivory tusks, the elephant population is quickly declining. 

Facts behind elephant hunting and poaching:

Elephants have been hunted for centuries for their ivory tusks, highly sought-after by collectors and artisans. These tusks can be sold on the black market for high prices, making them a profitable commodity. Unfortunately, this demand fuels illegal poaching operations across Africa and Asia, resulting in thousands of deaths every year. 

In addition to illegal hunting, legal trophy hunting is also taking its toll on the elephant population. Trophy hunters pay large sums to hunt elephants with permits granted by local governments under certain conditions—usually related to size or population density—despite growing evidence that such practices are unsustainable and may even damage vulnerable or struggling populations. 

Unfortunately, the effects of elephant hunting and poaching go beyond just depleting numbers; it can create ecological imbalance by disrupting migration patterns. It can also cause genetic bottlenecks within populations due to limited gene pools left after some hunting sessions. Additionally, many species that depend on elephants (such as bees and birds) are impacted when these giant mammals disappear from their habitats. 

Potential solutions to this growing problem:

Some solutions are being implemented to try and reduce poaching activities and protect these beautiful creatures from extinction. For example, governments across Africa have implemented laws banning commercial trade in ivory to discourage poachers from hunting elephants for profit. In addition, conservation organizations worldwide have also started programs to educate local communities about the importance of preserving wildlife while helping them develop eco-tourism opportunities as an alternative livelihood option that does not involve killing endangered species like elephants. 

The fight against elephant poaching is far from over. Still, with increased awareness about this critical issue, we can ensure that future generations see these majestic creatures in their natural habitats instead of on display mounts or behind fences in captivity centers. We must all do our part to save these incredible animals!

A New Baby Elephant is Born

Every day is a miracle, but a baby elephant's birth is exceptional. With their smooth skin and gentle demeanor, these creatures are nothing short of majestic. From the first moments, after they emerge from their mother's womb, they show signs of life that mark them as unique among the animal kingdom. 

The process 

It begins with the mother elephant entering labor. First, she often lets out loud calls to signal that she's ready to deliver her precious cargo. Then, as contractions increase, her little one begins its journey into the world. 

Once the baby is born, it is pretty weak and needs to be supported by its mother and other members of its herd. During this time, the baby depends on its mother for nourishment and protection from predators. It takes several days for the calf to stand independently and gain enough strength to walk around. 

As it ages, it continues to receive instruction from its elders—primarily on navigating its vast environment. Elephants can inhabit up to 18 square miles of land when they mature! The calf also begins learning some behaviors necessary for survival, including understanding danger signs and communication techniques adults use in their herds. 

It's amazing how much learning goes into making an elephant survive and thrive in the wild. But, before long, their strong bond with family serves them well as they enter adulthood—ready to face any challenge that comes their way with courage and grace worthy of such noble animals.

The birth of Tumeleng

The entire herd gathered around her to offer protection and support. A cohort of mighty bull elephants trailed Jabari, the father, to warmly welcome the newborn. Ayanna, the matriarch, used her trunk and feet to nudge the delicate baby girl to her feet. The other herd females assisted in caring for the calf and helped it learn essential skills such as feeding, walking, and socializing with other herd members. Tumeleng was almost as tall as a yardstick and weighed nearly 250 pounds.

Truly, the birth of a baby elephant is a miracle. It is a beautiful sight to witness as each herd member works together to help protect and nurture one of their own.

A Lesson from Jabari the Elephant

Jabari, a ten-foot-tall, six-ton bull elephant, is standing very still, guarding his family herd. It's the night of an important event—the birth of a calf into the small family herd. Jabari has been waiting for two years, as he is the baby's father. 

As you see, Jabari is a testament to the strength and love in the animal kingdom. He is standing guard, protecting the new life brought into his family. His strength and courage are an inspiration to us all.

And that's why we can all learn a lesson from Jabari. Let's stand guard and protect the things that matter most to us, whether our families, communities, or planet. 

For example:

- We can safeguard our families by creating a safe and secure home environment, monitoring our children's online activities, and teaching them how to stay safe in various situations. We can also support our family members during challenging times, show them love and affection, and prioritize spending quality time with them. 

- We can protect our community and planet by adopting eco-friendly habits, such as recycling, reducing our carbon footprint, and conserving resources. We can also support environmental initiatives, such as planting trees, cleaning litter, and advocating for sustainable policies—and educating others about the importance of protecting our planet and inspiring them to take action.

Standing guard and protecting what matters most is essential.

First, it helps ensure the safety and well-being of ourselves and those we care about. When we are vigilant and proactive in protecting what is important to us, we can prevent harm, minimize risk, and promote security.

Furthermore, doing so is essential for preserving our values and way of life. Our families, communities, and planet are all interconnected and interdependent, contributing to our quality of life. By safeguarding them, we ensure that they continue to thrive and grow and that we can enjoy their benefits for years. We are laying the foundation for a world where everyone can flourish and where we can all live in peace and harmony. 

It is a duty that we all share and one that we should take seriously. So, just like Jabari, let's show strength, courage, and love as we work to protect the things that matter most to us.

Teach Your Kids How to Have Hope

Growing up means dealing with various situations that are not always pleasant. In my book, "Molly the Trolley And Bud," Molly becomes increasingly worried when Bud is no longer around. Sometimes at night, she cries to sleep and worries that she'll be sent to the scrap yard because she's no longer "useful" to the people around her.

In a way, Molly felt hopeless. That is until Bud returned and ensured Molly would never have to worry about her future.

One important lesson we can all learn from this book is the concept of hope. Hope is a belief that things will get better. Holding on to hope is what someone does when they feel like they're in a dark place. When people have hope, they become empowered to stay strong and work through difficult situations.

Teaching this lesson is incredibly useful for kids because the world is not always kind. While it's natural to protect children from the harshness of reality, this can backfire because it doesn't give them the strength or the courage to keep going, even when things are fruitless. As much as we would love our children to stay as happy as possible, we would be doing a disservice to their future if we do not teach them how to handle their distressing emotions positively.

Here are some practical ways to teach your child hope:

1. Let them be upset.

While it may seem counterintuitive to let them wail and be angry, allowing your child to feel their emotions teaches them vulnerability and emotional honesty. After they have expressed their feelings in a healthy way, ask them about their emotions and coach them into sharing them with you. That way, your child will understand the importance of verbalizing their feelings and healthily working through them.

2. Instill them in believing that bad things will come to pass.

A few stories have characters facing difficulties. One example is when Molly the Trolley finally meets Bud again after months and years of his departure. When the two friends reunited, Molly was overjoyed because the dark period in her life had come to pass.

In life, sometimes bad things happen, but that will not always be the case. Teach your little one that these moments are necessary because it helps us appreciate good things when it comes.

3. Give them something to look forward to.

Molly held on to the hope of seeing her best friend again. This hope gives her the strength to keep going even when things seem dark and sad.

You can give your child something to look forward to. Think of a reward or an event your child would like (like a day at the park or the movies after a stressful day). Once the difficult period has come and gone, they'll find it much better to appreciate the reward once they receive it!

4. Read them stories with happy endings.

Aside from "Molly the Trolley and Bud," other stories you can read to your little ones are "Cinderella," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," "Aladdin," and even the Tale of Job in the Bible. Many of these characters had faced insurmountable odds before they reached their happy endings.

Reading to them stories of people overcoming their struggles will empower them to keep on going even when things are difficult.

Bottomline: Many people find it easy to give into despair when they have nothing to look forward to. As early as possible, we should teach our children to have hope so they can grow up to be courageous people with mental fortitude.

Why Picture Books Are Best for Kids

Reading is an essential skill that can benefit anyone, especially children. However, certain books are more effective than others when teaching the essentials of reading.

Here are some reasons why picture books are best for children starting from the age of three:

1. It introduces the child to reading.

The best way to get your child to start reading is to introduce them to a book made specifically for them. Fairytales, fables, parables, and short stories are fantastic for kids because they are brief, easy to follow, and have compelling messages.

Once children appreciate the art of reading, they'll eventually learn to appreciate longer forms of text and stories as they grow older!

2. It teaches them how to visualize characters.

Storybooks often come with colorful pictures depicting the story's setting and characters. This handy addition helps children visualize the characters, giving them room to appreciate art and be creative.

Artwork in the picture book also enhances the story's message and the character's emotions, thus teaching your child how to visualize abstract concepts like emotions and thoughts.

Experts say that reading can also improve your creativity in two ways. One way is that reading teaches you how to learn from others' experiences in a safe environment and apply this lesson in real-life situations. The second one is that reading itself enhances different areas of your brain, encouraging it to exercise creativity!

3. It encourages discussions about the story and its lessons.

Many stories come with a moral lesson. Moral lessons are messages that teach the reader what they can apply in real life or similar situations. Picture books help your child engage in these stories, thus creating an avenue for you and your little one to discuss lessons, characters, and whatever tickles their imagination.

Another skill that reading teaches is the lesson of empathy. When a child understands a person's emotions and feelings, they become kinder and more willing to help. This skill strengthens their social skills while teaching them what to expect and do in different types of relationships.

Bottomline: Reading is a life skill that can benefit anyone's growth while also creating connections. When a child learns to read, they will find worlds and concepts they never thought were possible.

When introducing your child to books and stories, pick appropriate stories that will grab their attention and develop their creative thinking skills! Check out my list of incredible books for your little ones here.

Essential Friendship Skills to Teach to Your Children

Children who reach preschool age tend to socialize with children their age. This life stage is crucial for social development when children socialize in preschool or with family and relatives.

In my book, "Molly The Trolley And Bud," we learn of the incredible friendship between Molly the Trolley and Bud, the Human. Molly and Bud would spend time together every Saturday by traveling around the town. After Molly dropped off Bud's dad at the farmer's market, Bud stayed behind and rode until the end of her route. In a way, their friendship remains strong because they like spending time together.

However, there are other ways to teach your children how to create long and healthy friendships. Learning these "friendship skills" can help your little ones expand their social circle. Here are some essential friendship skills to teach your children:

1. Teach your child how to say hello.

The first step of any friendship is introducing yourself to a new person. This step helps teach your child to introduce themselves while also inviting someone to play with them. As a rule of thumb, kids can use this handy starter phrase:

"Hi, my name is ___. Would you like to play with me on the swings?"

This starter is excellent because it gives the other child a chance to say yes or no. If the child says yes, keep a close watch on them. If they said no, you could teach your child to handle rejection graciously by saying. "Okay, that's fine. Have a great day." Remember to praise your child for putting themselves out there!