She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch

by June Smalls, Yumi Shimokawara (Illustrator)

She is the Queen. The matriarch.

She leads her daughters and their daughters.

Text and illustrations follow the journey of an elephant matriarch as she leads her family through the wilds of Africa. With facts about African elephants on every spread and a message that will encourage girls to be the trailblazers of their generation.

Open your eyes, princess. One day you will lead.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, Nature, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2020

About the author

June Smalls has been making up stories since she only had pets and stuffed animals to share them with. She is the author of fiction and nonfiction books that are funny, educational, odd, and entertaining.

June loves going on adventures, for research of course, from falconry to digging up fossils; tracking wildlife to working with scientists and wildlife conservationists. Writing is always an adventure.


June is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and a lover of literature. She resides in Northern Virginia with her hubby, The Kid, and an ever-growing assortment of animals.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is the Queen. The Matriarch. She leads her daughters and their daughters.

Set deep in the wilds of Africa, we follow the a small family of elephants as they travel throughout their territory.

As they wander, we learn how elephants survive and thrive as a family - with the mother matriarch leading her sisters, daughters and granddaughters.

There is almost a duo storyline - one that is simple and tells a short story about the elephants and what they are doing.

The second provides interesting facts about the different activities - like how they find watering holes during dry seasons or how baby elephants play.

Overall, I quite liked this book. It was short, sweet and absolutely adorable.

I particularly liked the illustrations. With picture books, absolutely everything hangs on the illustrations.

And allow me to assure you - they do not disappoint! I am so impressed by the level of detail included and the expressions on the animal's faces.

Truly a delight!

With many thanks to Familius and June Smalls for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review

YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads

[Tracy Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful picture book about magnificent female elephants that will inspire girls to be queens and lead their herds. Readers can choose to page through quickly, reading only the spare text, or take a deep dive into the facts about elephants provided in smaller print. The book handles the death of the elephant matriarch as a part of the cycle of life. Gorgeous illustrations show these majestic animals.

[Kathy MacMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quietly powerful book about real girl power in the animal kingdom. She Leads manages to be both straightforward and moving, fact-filled and lyrical, always firmly grounded in the power, nurturing strength, and beauty of the elephant matriarch and her legacy to those who will follow. Yumi Shimokawara’s naturalistic illustrations bring the queen and her society to life, while June Small’s main text offers the elegance of poetry, filled out by more information in the sidebars on each page. Ideal for storytime, the classroom, or bedtime reading.

[Tracy Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I love elephants, but I learned some new things by reading this book, and I feel like children reading it would teach them empathy. Elephants have been exploited for years, and its good that we are learning and educating ourselves and learning to change our ways.

Elephants are fascinating animals and the author has done so well to explain how the elephant pack works. The illustrations are stunning.

Thank you to Edelweiss for the advanced copy of this book!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

She leads by June Smalls is a beautiful and poignant story of elephant lives filled with true facts and underscored by the gorgeous art of Yumi Shimokawara. Children will enjoy the romping and feel the empathy of hard times while learning all about elephants. I believe they will also draw parallels to their lives and realize how similar elephants are to us as well. This is a story that kids and adults will want to re-read to enjoy the journey and the art again and again.

[Abi Cushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all around gorgeous book! SHE LEADS is a wonderful introduction to the fascinating lives of elephants. Readers learn about elephants' social structure, how older elephants' pass knowledge down to younger generations, how they communicate, and much much more. The illustrations by Yumi Shimokawara are exquisite.

[Sarah Hoppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise, patient, and brave - girl power at its finest! Beautiful illustrations pair with sparse, poetic text and elephant information. The life of a matriarch is fun, somber, selfless, difficult and daring, and so very important.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant illustrations, book design, parallel text, and the universal appeal of baby animals interact perfectly in this oversized, square-trim picture book. The end product perfectly serves the majestic lives of elephants. text in large font is explored in finer detail, their placement on expansive white backgrounds allowing the the elephants to reveal themselves fully.

[Maria Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, touching, and educational picture book that not only looks at the family lives and special characteristics of elephants, but also trumpets girl power!
This book will appeal to a younger audience - a big picture of an elephant's family and the females who run the herd - told in concise text and beautiful images. While, at the same time, appealing to slightly older (or expository nonfiction loving) readers with more in-depth sidebars about the elephants, their lives, and the dangers they face.
It follows the elephant matriarch as she teaches her herd of daughters and granddaughters to find food & water, care for the young, distinguish friends and threats. Watching over them all as they learn, play, and grow. It also discusses the Matriarch's role in caring for orphans that arise due to poachers or natural causes. And encourages empathy (elephants really do cry in sorrow), while offering a strong message of the strength and importance of family and powerful females. 
Overall, this is a beautifully illustrated book on the unique, powerful family structure and lives of the African elephant. One I hope will inspire girls and women to step up and lead, inspire kids and adults to learn more about elephants, and encourage everyone to help ensure these magnificent, loving ladies continue to play and roam. Definitely a wonderful book that should be in every library. 

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

June Smalls' poetic text accompanies brief explanations of an elephant matriarch's life. Then, enlivened illustrations by Yumi Shimokawara bring multiple expressions of emotion to these amazing creatures. The book shines on the caring and knowledge of these special elephant leaders. I wish there had been added information in the backmatter, at least links to other sources.
Readers see the lovely line of elephants on their way, perhaps over fifty miles to find a much-needed water source from a long-ago memory. There is a twilight-colored page showing elephants mourning one of their own, sharing that sometimes they stay for a few days and often return to the site years later "to touch the bones of their lost family member."
The life of a matriarch dominates the text, but other behaviors are shown, too. Interest in this animal will heighten, having the book as a springboard to further research or one in a series that underscores themes. It is a lovely book.

[Nadine in NY Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love elephants. This has a gorgeous cover, a fantastic title, and a really long waiting list at my library ... so I was expecting something amazing. But I was disappointed. It's just some basic facts about elephants. It's kind of boring. The art was okay. If the author is trying to draw a parallel between elephant's matriarchal societies and the possibilities for women to be leaders in human societies, I'm not sure if she really hit the mark, because there are quite a few scenes of dead elephants (that I know I would have upset my daughter when she was young) and the casually tossed off fact that males are ejected from their families at the age of 13 (I have to think that will not sit well with little boys who are horrified at the thought of leaving their mothers). In one scene, the matriarch clearly has tears running down her face while standing over a dead elephant - in a non-fiction book that is all about true facts, that seemed kind of odd and emotionally manipulative. I don't think elephants cry actual tears of sorrow.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 2 out of 5]

She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch by June Smalls, illustrated by Yumi Shimokawara. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Familius, April 2020. $17. 9781641702324

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

It is the matriarch who leads the elephant herd – to water, to shelter, to protection from enemies, and to teach the next generations – so that when her time is done there is a new matriarch to lead.

Smalls populates each page with one set of simple text and then a longer strand of more in-depth information. I like the play between the two strands of test rather than having a large amount of back matter. Shimokawara’s illustrations allow the elephant to front and center on each page. I do wish the book were a taller format, though. The square shape makes the elephants feel squished onto the page.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Gayle Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first things that attracted my eye as I opened June Small’s SHE LEADS was the double text (one for preschoolers – simple) and one for older children – (more fact-filled sidebars on individual pages). How cool is that? The second was Yumi Shimokawara's naturalistic illustrations. (Beautiful!) A powerful book of feminine leadership in the animal kingdom. The Elephant Queen nurtures strength in her family and looks after her herd. The stunning story starts with the birth of an elephant princess and ends in the same manner. SHE LEADS demonstrates “girl power,” and will inspire human girls to “take the lead” in discussions, achievements, and life.

[Tina Shepardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

June Small's beautifully written and illustrated nonfiction picture book about the role and importance of the matriarch in the elephant family is captivating. The graceful and eye-pleasing illustrations lure you into the information shared in two formats. The main text shares fascinating details about the elephant family. The subtext shares specifically all of the intricate details about the mother's care for her young. The details are warm, interesting, and astounding at times! Readers of every age level will be taken on the journey of not only the matriarch's role within the family but of the life cycle of the elephant. This is a wonderful book for families, educators, and librarians!

[Savannah Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this book was formatted to incorporate a shorter read and a more detailed read for children. It's an honest story about the cycle of elephant life and provides facts to the reader. Because of this I would caution parents/teachers/caregivers when reading this book to the youngest of children. There are several pages regarding death with accompanying illustrations that might overwhelm/concern/scare them.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous book about the female hierarchy of an elephant troop. With staggered levels of text, it could be a short read with a little one or a longer read with a medium one. What I really loved about it was the similarities that are drawn between how female elephants behave and how human women behave. It reminded so much of my grandmother, who is the strong and brave matriarch of our family.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cool book about elephant life, especially from the female herd perspective.

Like the way the main text and additional text was handled on a page. It's easy to read it all. It's also easy to just read the main text.

One quibble: it says "In the best conditions, their sounds can travel 110 square miles." This is a confusing statement. Does this mean the sounds can be heard in a circle with area 110 square miles? Or does it mean that the sound can be heard 110 miles away?

[Jennifer Ingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, elephants might be my new favorite animal. This book is awesome. Each page has a little piece of narration and then a short paragraph with corresponding facts and information. The illustrations are lovely, too.

[Heather Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fascinating story! My son enjoys reading the beautiful lyrical story that's printed in bolder type on one side of each spread and asks me to read the other text that covers a variety of elephant facts. The illustrations are gorgeous and very moving. This would make a wonderful gift for a special little girl in your life, as it details how the generations of elephants lead on with powerful females. I'd also recommend for any child, as my son loved learning so much about the elephants. The two-fold story is something that he's already asked to re-read multiple times.

[Vidya Tiru · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for animal lovers; and a cool way to empower girls everywhere!! Yumi Shimokawara’s illustrations are realistic and stunning, and oh so adorable too. June Small’s narrative is powerful and heartwarming at the same time. She uses a mix of lyrical spare text in a large font and additional related details in a smaller font; together, these provide both a sweet storyline and lots of information about the daily lives of elephants. We, as readers, learn about the matriarchal society of elephants, discover empathy as we read, and can easily draw parallels to our own lives.

This book is sure to inform you and make you feel so much better. My own love for elephants ensures I am going to re-read this one!

Thank you to Edelweiss for the digital review copy of this book. I read this as part of the Cybils nonfiction round 1 nominations, and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful picture book and a wonderful story to read to your children or grandchildren. I love the format with facts about elephants interspersed throughout.

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elephants are my favorite land animal. I have been excited to read this since it was announced. An elephant matriarch and her family guide the reader through the story with a mix of inspiring and informative text. Young readers will certainly learn a lot about elephants in this book. The life-like illustrations go straight to the heart. I smiled and cried. It is impossible not to appreciate these compassionate, protective, gentle giants. This beautiful picture book also includes an empowering message to young girls that encourages them to be leaders. SHE LEADS: THE ELEPHANT MATRIARCH is one of my favorite 2020 nonfiction picture books.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-formatted for reading either just the main text or the additional detail in the side text, as well. Focused on the matriarchal society, the role of the matriarch, and the passing on of knowledge and leadership.

One spot where an area unit is described in a situation where a distance makes sense, and it's hard to tell what is correct.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learn about elephants in this exquisitely illustrated picture book that focuses on the role of the matriarch, a female leader, teacher, caregiver, and comforter. Bold text can be read on its own, or paired with informative expansions on the topic to dig deeper into the life of an elephant matriarch. Natural girl power, to the core!

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and presented, fact-filled look at the life of the African elephant, who form close bonds and are led by the oldest and wisest female.

[Laura Zimmermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lyrical text and lovely illustrations come together to create a beautiful picture of the elephant life cycle filled with interesting facts. A wonderful read with a well-deserved starred review.

[Pippa Chorley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently had the privilege of reading a copy of the newly released picture book, ‘The Elephant Matriarch’ written by June Smalls and illustrated by Yumi Shimokawara.

As a huge animal lover I knew the subject matter was right up my alley but what was so delightful was how much I learned from this beautiful picture book as well. The text is peppered with interesting facts and scientific terminology for children to learn but it is written in such a gentle way it also flows as a story as well. The illustrations are beautiful too. They work really well in harmony with the writing as they are drawn in detailed realistic form but using a soft palette and gentle pencil work.

In addition to all of this there is a strong positive message to young girls out there that they too can be leaders. It shows the female matriarch as strong, empathetic, wise, caring and highly capable, a wonderful role model to all young girls out there. Altogther making this book a must read for elephant lovers.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learn about the lives of elephants and their societal structure in this informational picture book.

It is kind of unfair to this book that How to Be an Elephant by Katherine Roy just came out a few years ago. This is a great little book on elephants that can be read on two levels. There's a simple line of big text that can be focused on for littles, and smaller text with more info on each page that can also be explored for older readers. It's beautifully illustrated and highly informative. But it comes just a few years on the tail of Roy's book which was so exceptionally well done that it is impossible not to compare the two, and I have to say Roy's book is just that much better this pales in comparison. The one way this book stands out is that it does have the simpler line of text so this would be better for the younger audience with a super short attention span. In all other aspects if you have to choose, I'd send you to Roy's book instead.

[Beth]

Lovely pictures of elephants, and my favorite format of nonfiction picture books -- big text, smaller words to expand the ideas. It's a book about how the leader of a herd of elephants is the ranking female, and how they teach their young how to survive and then be the next leader. Lots of information about elephant society, life cycle, complexity and habits.

I do find the anthropomorphizing (word? is that a word) a bit annoying. The elephant "Queen" doesn't imply the sort of thing human queen does. But it's a lovely book to read.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely pastel feel to the excellent illustrations, emotions of the elephants come through, especially on the pages with death. One elephant looks like she is crying, which leads to the one criticism for the book: no resources or back matter worth further information. The reader will have to go elsewhere for that answer. Granted, the book is for younger readers, the dual text size is a great feature. But all good NF should have sort of back matter.