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In Russell’s delightful and attractive children’s book, readers meet a baby girl lion named Carly, who lives in the “wild of Africa” with her mother and father. One day little Carly decides she would like to go for a walk to see all of her friends. As Daddy sleeps, Mummy is happy to take her for an extended walk, where she will meet up with many fun-loving and adorable animal friends who also live throughout this land. Ellie the elephant, for example, is by the lake washing herself with her long trunk. Of course, the two young friends are excited to see each other. Gwen the giraffe is the next one to greet Carly on this beautiful day. With his deep voice, Rex the Rhino comes by to say hello. Zabella the zebra rounds out Carly’s best friends, and she gets to see her too.
When Carly and her mom return home, her dad has awoken, and she is eager to tell him about her exciting walk where she saw all her friends. The following day, Carly finds a spot near a tree—perfect for a picnic—and invites the crew of creatures. After lunch, they even decide to all dance together. Ellie the elephant, while dancing, accidentally hits Zabella the zebra with her long trunk, and the striped animal falls to the ground. Importantly, Ellie apologizes, and the entire group starts laughing. After a fun day of enjoying a picnic lunch and dancing, they are exhausted and head back home.
Russell’s children’s picture book is an absolute enchantment. With bright, bold, engaging artwork to compliment the text, there is no doubt toddlers and young children will enjoy this simple yet quite pleasing tale. After the reader meets each successive new character, the next page is devoted to presenting the animal discussed visually. And these high-quality illustrations are far from the average. Instead, they resemble shots from a major Disney animated film in how well done they are.
Additionally, there is much to be said for the notions of basic kindness, joy, the importance of friendship, and getting out in the world to visit one’s friends. These are things Russell’s book presents and celebrates. When one friend accidentally knocks another over during their dancing, the apology comes quickly and naturally. And then, the group of friends share a good laugh and move on to enjoying their picnic lunch. As such, the important character trait of treating others as one would like to be treated and having a gentle awareness for the well-being of others is presented to young readers in a fashion that lays it out naturally and matter-of-factly. These positive character traits are not, by any means, approached in any preachy manner but are rather subtly packed into the story in a way young children are sure to absorb and embrace.
Great lessons for great kids and a simple, enjoyable read are the key takeaways presented in this attractive, understated, and fun picture book written and illustrated with care and a sense of innocent basic human kindness. That the small cast of characters is not human but rather a fun and charming set of safari animals only strengthens the enjoyment and positive messaging. Herein, real tenderness—aimed at the very youngest of audiences—reigns supreme. And that, quite refreshingly, is a beautiful experience.