Rhino in the House: The Story of Saving Samia

From the award-winning author of the bestselling Library Mouse series comes a biographical picture book about the true story of rhino champion Anna Merz and the black rhinoceros Samia. With a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Lewa Downs Conservancy, Rhino in the House's engaging story is perfect for animal lovers, animal rights enthusiasts, and fans of Me . . . Jane.

When Anna Merz traveled to east Africa, she became appalled at the rampant poaching that took place there, specifically toward the black rhinoceros. Anna devoted her life to protecting the wildlife of the region, founding a reserve in Kenya called Lewa Downs to care for them. Anna kept a watchful eye on the animals, especially the rhinos. One day, Anna found a small black rhino calf, likely abandoned by its mother. So she nurtured the calf, named it Samia, fed it special formula, and even let it sleep in her bed.

Everywhere Anna went Samia was never far behind. The two became so close, in fact, that Anna soon learned how rhinos communicate with one another. Anna was able to distinguish the rhino's many different grunts and what she meant by them: "Snort! Snuff," cried Samia ("This is fun!"); "Hoo-hoo-hoo!" she called ("I'm coming!"). But with time, Samia got bigger . . . and bigger . . . and bigger--to the point where she couldn't fit inside Anna's house any longer. It was time for Anna to make the tough decision she always knew she would have to make at some point or another: She would need to reintroduce Samia to the wild so she could lead her life with the rest of her kind.

Richly illustrated with pen, ink, and watercolors, Daniel Kirk's first nonfiction picture book brings awareness to wildlife protection and fosters further understanding of animal rescue and welfare, positioned in a sensitive way that's appropriate for young readers. Kirk traveled to Kenya to see the reserve firsthand and his photographs grace the back matter, which includes an author's note and bibliography.

Author: Daniel Kirk
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 03/14/2017
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 9.80h x 11.20w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781419723162
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 190986 / Rhino in the House: The True Story of Saving Samia


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2017
Publishers Weekly 02/13/2017
Booklist 03/01/2017 pg. 58
School Library Journal 03/01/2017 pg. 160
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2017 pg. 193 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Daniel Kirk is a graduate of Ohio State University and is the bestselling author of the beloved Library Mouse series, as well as a range of picture books and novels for young readers, including The Thing About Spring, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and the Elf Realm trilogy. He currently lives with his family in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. While researching Rhino in the House, he visited Lewa Downs Conservancy in Kenya where he went on a photo safari, saw Anna Merz's home, and interviewed those who had known her and who are carrying on her work.