Last: The Story of a White Rhino

by Nicola Davies

A rhino is put in a zoo in the middle of a gray city, where all he can do is pace back and forth. He misses his home, his mother, the smell of earth and rain. He fears he may be the last of his kind. Then one day, he is rescued and released back into the wild, to live free with the other rhinos.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Conservation, Childrens, Environment

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

"I was very small when I saw my first dolphin," says zoologist Nicola Davies, recalling a seminal visit with her father to a dolphin show at the zoo. Enchanted at the sight of what she called the "big fish" jumping so high and swimming so fast, she determined right then that she would meet the amazing creatures again "in the wild, where they belonged." And indeed she did--as part of a pair of scientific expeditions, one to Newfoundland at the age of eighteen and another to the Indian Ocean a year later. In WILD ABOUT DOLPHINS, Nicola Davies describes her voyages in a firsthand account filled with fascinating facts and captivating photographs of seven species of dolphins in action.

Nicola Davies's seemingly boundless enthusiasm for studying animals of all kinds has led her around the world--and fortunately for young readers, she is just as excited about sharing her interests through picture books. The zoologist's latest offering puts a decidedly quirky twist on her years of experience: POOP: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNMENTIONABLE is a fun, fact-filled guide to the fascinating world of poop across species. "As a zoologist, you are never far from poop!" the writer explains. "I've baked goose poop in an oven with my dinner, looked at bat poop under the microscope, and had my T-shirt stained pink with blue-whale poop. I was obviously fated to write this book."


The exceptional combination of Nicola Davies's zoological expertise and her first-rate children's writing is apparent in her remarkable catalog of award-winning titles. Her first book with Candlewick Press, BIG BLUE WHALE, was hailed by American Bookseller as an "artfully composed study" offering "language exactly appropriate for four- to seven-year-olds and precisely the right amount of information." In ONE TINY TURTLE, Nicola Davies's clear, compelling narrative follows the life of the rarely seen loggerhead turtle, which swims the oceans for thirty years and for thousands of miles in search of food, only to return, uncannily, to lay her eggs on the very beach where she was born. The author's next book, BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, is a tenderly written ode to a much-misunderstood flying mammal, the pipistrelle bat, while SURPRISING SHARKS--winner of a BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Honor Award--contains unexpected facts about another one of the planet's most infamous animals.


When she is not off on scientific expeditions, Nicola Davies lives in a cottage in Somerset, England, where she is lucky enough to have pipistrelle bats nesting in her roof.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too depressing to be a children's book. I've found this in other Nicola Davies books. Reviewers describe this as a punch in the gut, I'm sure this is a much needed message for the world's adult population but I think children have more than enough on their shoulders without being punched in the gut too.

Too depressing for me at the moment.

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sudan is the last of his kind: a white rhino. Brutally taken from his mother, who was shot for her horn by poachers, he is shipped to a zoo devoid of any colour, smell, natural sound or life. With other animals who are also the last of their kind, Sudan seems destined to spend the rest of his life walking in the smallest, grey circle surrounded by walls of skyscrapers and endless, faceless traffic.

Yet hope is not lost. Throughout his years in isolated captivity, Sudan has constantly been watched by a young girl wearing a green, polka-dot scarf. In the first spread we see her alone, hands in pockets gazing thoughtfully at the rhino. We then see her twice at night with her father looking across at the solitary figure and then we find her alone too in her apartment overlooking the zoo: plotting and preparing. As it comes to rescuing Sudan, she appears more often and, as an adult, she ensures that he is safe and well-treated until he finds himself back home. There, will help, she released him back into the wild where he meets another rhino who smells just like his mother.

There are two stories being told with care and thought here by Davies. One of Sudan. His capture, his colourful and vibrant memories (evoked in Davies mixed media illustrations) and his eventual return. And then the story of the girl who goes on to actively save and return Sudan to his natural habitat. One then is of the crime and heartache that comes with capturing and slaughtering animals for self-gain and money. The other is equally powerful if not more so and that is to call-to-arms for young people to make a change and challenge this from happening again. A quote from the
American environmentalist, Paul Hawken at the start of the book drives this message home:

'Forget that this task of planet-saving is not possible in the time required. Don't be put off by people who know what is not possible. Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.'

Davies has long been a successful advocate for animal and environmental protection but this is her first foray into illustration. It is clear that she has studied hard and worked well from the advice of practiced friends. Grey, dull images show a heavy, lifeless world when Sudan is in the city and these contrast remarkably with the vibrant rich colours of his home. Strong, powerful images to help guide young readers as to where animals really should be and what we should all be doing to make sure that this is a future we all support. A great addition to any home or classroom and one to share and extra together.

[Sorca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deeply poignant tale - based on the true story of Sudan, the last male white rhino - is a must-have for any classroom!
As Nicola Davies's illustration debut, her storytelling is so beautiful, so that the images tell their own story alongside the carefully chosen words.
I love the use of perspective, and the movement in time, which makes the final message all the more hopeful.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring book.
From the illustration note and personal dedication, to the story told and finally the factual notes on the continued efforts. There is so much to gain from reading this book.
Simply, it is about conservation and a learning and understanding of love for all things great and small for younger readers.
However, it offers further discoveries that can be made by older readers as to the inspired speeches and the use of media networks that build an added dimension to the story by their addition in the texture and depth of the illustrations.
Finally, showing that change starts small and continues to strive for better with the efforts of dedicated people (touching on the remarkable efforts of those studying reproductive sciences and our desires not to see species disappear), it provides hope and possibility when all looks to be lost and impossible.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sad story about extinction inspired by the true story of Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhino that died in 2018.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rhino is taken into captivity and kept in a zoo with other endangered species. He thinks he is the last of his kind, but when he is released and returns to his wild home, he discovers that there are others like himself.

This book was very emotional, told from the rhino's perspective. You can feel the joy in his free and wild life with his herd family. You feel the terrible loss when he is captured and separated from his mother, the boredom of the long days in the zoo, and his delight to be returned to his home. There is also the hope that brightens his heart when he finds other rhinos, and he is no longer alone.

The text is concise and powerful, using a few well-chosen words to tell a moving story. It is inspired by the true story of a Northern White Rhino called Sudan.

I liked the weird and wild illustrations. They are impressionistic and strange. Sometimes people's faces are distorted, but I'm not sure if that is just sloppy art, or on purpose as if from an animal's perspective. The art is definitely powerful and emotional. It adds a lot to the story.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story of an animal who doesn't see any others like himself but is from a disappearing and was captured and put in a sterile cement cage in a zoo. At the end this rhino's dream of going home comes true. And the story speaks of the extinction of animals in Africa and other places where there are few of that species.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dark and depressing illustrations and story.

[I _teach_muggles · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always exciting when Nicola Davies creates a new book so I could not wait to get my hands on her latest offering. Last is based on the true story of a Northern White Rhino named Sudan who was placed into a zoo in the Czech Republic in 1975 at aged two. The tragedy behind this rehoming was for his own protection, poaching and killing of white rhinos was and has been rife for many years, so much so that tragically there are only two white rhinos alive today and when they die the species will be extinct.

He used to live freely, roaming the plains with his mama. But then the poachers came, his mother was dead and he was taken in a box. Now his life is lonely and he feels as grey as the walls in which he is trapped. Pacing his enclosure each day, he is haunted by the memories of his past and the constant reminder that he is the last of his kind. Other animals are present at the zoo, all alone, maybe they are the last of their kind too. He may be alone in the animal world but there is someone watching over him, someone with the passion and power to take him back to where he truly belongs so once again he may roam freely in the place he calls home…

Nicola Davies never fails to deliver. Many of her books about nature and the environment deal with big and important issues and this is another one with a message that should be roared and shouted from the rooftops. It is a heart-wrenching story that will inspire and encourage readers of all ages to do more, be aware of the issues around conservation and the importance of protecting endangered animals.

Told in first person/animal from the rhino’s perspective the plight and hopelessness of the situation tugs at the heart strings as the rhino himself implores the reader to help and do more. The rhino in this story has someone to listen too. He is under the ever watchful eye of a young girl complete with polka dot scarf. She visits him at the zoo, watches over him from her city apartment before finally accompanying him on his return home.

Davies has chosen to illustrate this book herself and her debut as an illustrator is an absolute triumph. The illustrations are evocative, emotional and beautiful. The loneliness and lack of hope at the dark and gloomy zoo is contrasted wonderfully with the vibrant and colourful scenes that are filled with warmth and love of the plains that the rhino used to call home. The bleak and grey zoo scenes are peppered with quotes from advertising slogans and environmental speeches that are translated into different languages. The book is preceded and concluded with emotional and heart-felt forewords and afterwords. It takes quite a lot to bring a tear to my eye but Nicola Davies did.

Last should be on the shelves in every school, library and home. We need to do more to protect the extraordinary creatures that are part of our planet. In fact we we must do more, it is not a choice, it is a duty.

Recommended for 5+.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...

LAST: THE STORY OF A WHITE RHINO tells the story of the real rhino, Sudan, who is one of the last Northern White Rhinos in existence. Sudan is reflecting on his past and how he feels he is now the last of his kind. He remembers how there used to be others who would play, and his mother who he loved so much. One day, she "fell down and lay still, so still." Then he was boxed up and paces, thinking he is the last. Eventually, he is brought back to where he grew up and finds another rhino, who also smells beautiful.

This story is heart-wrenching but true, with the final note that explains that Sudan was the last male Northern White Rhino. After his death, only two females remain, but once they die, there will be no more of this species. This is a sad but important story.

What I loved: The illustrations here are artistic and lovely. They really pop off the pages and capture the serious and heart-breaking emotions of the story. Written in simple sentences, Sudan's story is compelling and genuine. Although the book ends on a hopeful note with Sudan finding out he is not the only one, the author's note reveals the sad truth, setting the stage for discussions about hunting/poaching and extinction.

I would add a note for sensitive and/or young readers. When his mother dies, it only says she lies so still in the text, but the illustration shows a hunter with a gun next to a red-ended horn, implying he poached her for her horn. This is a Bambi-style sadness that may be troubling for sensitive readers, but it is true and a real problem.

Final verdict: LAST is a heart-breaking tale of extinction that is beautifully and tragically composed. Would recommend for older readers who may be seeking information about extinction.

Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kristin Guay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was inspired by the true story of Sudan, the last Northern White Rhino, who unfortunately died in 2018. Nichola Davies was inspired by the story of Sudan and the great efforts to help other animals that are endangered as well. In this story, we see the life of a male white rhino through his eyes--what he remembers about his home, others in his herd, his mother and her death, and the day he was brought in a “box” into captivity. We see that his world goes from fields of grass and flowers and inky skies filled with stars to a concrete enclosure with no smells or comfort at all. He looks around him and sees others who are also the last one of their kind--giraffe, monkey, bear, and bird. One day, he again awakens in a cage, but this time he is in a land that is familiar to him. He is home and he is free to roam in the fields and under stars as he did when he was younger.

The author provides some additional information both about the story and the illustrations she created for this book. She was inspired by the true story of the last Northern White Rhino who lived in a conservancy in Kenya--with armed guards for his safety! The illustrations are dark in tone with muted grey and black, adding to the distressing nature of the story. The bright colors of yellow, green, red, and orange are really only seen when the rhino is back in his homeland. The author explains her subtle uses of lettering that can be seen in the lighter parts of the illustrations. “These were random snippets of advertising, slogans, and short phrases from famous environmental speeches made by Martin Luther King, Chief Seattle and Paul Hawken, plus a few of my own, translated into many different languages. My aim was to contrast the bleakness of advertising with inspirational words.”

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicola Davies writes and illustrates picture books about important topics, using that particular platform of children's publishing to try to open hearts and minds. In this book, inspired by a true story about a rhino named Sudan, she imagines the loneliness of the last white rhino as he contemplates being the last of his species. As he ekes out his solitary existence in a city zoo, the rhino remembers happier days with his mother and how he came to live in this zoo. He and several of the other zoo animals are lonely and very aware of the fact that there is no other living animal of their kind. But someone has been watching him, and she spearheads an effort to return him to the wild where he finds that there is one other white rhino like him. This minimalist storytelling requires readers to read between the lines and guess about some of the events that are transpiring in the same way that the rhino does since the story is told from his point of view. Most notably, of course, is the hope that readers are left with that they, too, can make a difference in the world and maybe, just maybe, save other species before time runs out. The illustrations are interesting since they seem to be created with crayons and collage and feature text from commercial advertising slogans on the drab urban backdrop contrasted with inspiring lines from environmentalists on the animals. The city scenes are gray and depressing while the scenes of the rhino's home brim with life, color, and freshness. This one calls for multiple readings and contemplation of humans' impact on the world around them as well as necessitating a change of mind, heart, and attitude. Teachers might consider adding this title to a collection devoted to conservation or one about individuals changing the world.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cautionary tale puts a "face" to animals that are near extinction or now extinct.

Inspired by the story of Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhino - from his capture to his imprisonment in a zoo in the Czech Republic to his release back into the wild.

Davies has done a marvelous job of telling Sudan's story, making readers empathize with the animal in the process. Her sentences are short and to the point, as if they are the thoughts of a rhinoceros. Each two-page spread contains a single thought or event. She closes with a brief author's note of the history of Sudan, including what happened to him after the book ends.

Davies' multimedia illustrations are stark, mostly in shades of black and white - except for his brief times in the wild, as a calf and as an adult from 2009 until his death in 2018. They are stunning and evocative, leaving an indelible memory of the book. Upon close inspection of the art, readers will notice that there is what appears to be newsprint text in many different languages on areas that are light or white in color. Davies explains what these are in a note about the illustrations in the front of the book.

Include this in studies about extinction/endangered animals. Include this as you read aloud a book like The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (HarperCollins, 2012) and compare the experiences.

Highly Recommended for PreSchool-grade 5.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever Nicola Davies creates a book, I rush out to purchase it! This book was no exception because it tells the story about a last white rhino who was captured and placed in a cage. He wonders where his former world in the jungle has gone? A young woman frees him and he returns to the jungle where he meets a female and thinks that white rhinos will continue in the world. The author uses chalk, pencil, and ink to show us beautiful illustrations of the white rhino. The background buildings and animals come from advertising sources and short phrases from environmental speeches translated into many languages. The bleakness of many of the words contrast with those of Paul Hawken: “Forget that this task of planet-saving is not possible in the time required. Don’t be put off by people who know what is not possible. Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.”

The author’s afterword tells us that this book was inspired by the true story of Sudan, one of the last Northern White Rhinos in the world. Sudan and five other rhinos were taken to a zoo in the Czech Republic so they wouldn’t be killed for their horns. He was released again into the wild but he died leaving the last two females. His sperm was saved so maybe a new baby of this species can survive. The Southern White Rhinos and four other species are being saved from poachers.

Nicola Davies has written this profoundly beautiful picture book for all ages. It should be in every home and school library!

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of endangered animals is told through the eyes of a white rhino. It is based on Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhino. Through his eyes you see how things you used to be, a love for his mother, and what happened when he was captured and brought to the zoo. It personalizes extinction and conservation, but the author delicately balances being honest with being child appropriate. The contrast between the gray modern world and the brilliant colors of how life in the wild is depicted is bold and pointed. A sad, heart filled story that ends on a note of hope.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true event a rhino tells this story - of his capture and captivity in a grey and lonely zoo. He reflects on the sad circumstances that led to being captured and removed from Sudan as part of a captive breeding program to keep the white rhino species alive. After years of loneliness he is returned to his native land.

A poignant and telling look at human intervention to save animals where good intent can be misdirected and have poor outcomes. Predominantly illustrated in greys, the final pages show the joy of his return to the wild, through vibrant colours.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story represents the issues of hunting and animal extinction. It follows the story of a rhino that was captured and put in a zoo and his mother was killed for her horn, later being realised back home in Africe.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and simple, this is a great story inspired by the true story of a real rhino named Sudan. I will likely use for an Earth Day library lesson with Kinder or 1st grades.

Story: 4
Illustrations: 4
Read-aloud: 3 (a little short)

[Becky Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a very emotional book and a lot of meaning behind it.
I thought the illustration also helped set the mood by the colours that were chosen and the size of some of the pictures.
I really recommend this book.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeously illustrated fictionalization of the Sudanese Northern White Rhino's demise, with a hopeful note on the survival of the Southern White Rhino.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sudan is the last Northern White Rhino male. This book tells his story. The illustrations are beautiful. I loved the idea of using old print as a base for the illustrations.

[Ron Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real punch in the gut.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple words. Powerful illustrations and message.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sobering read about environmental disaster and species extinction.

[Harriet Lynn Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful introduction to poaching and extinction.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book, beautiful illustrations. I wanted to read it for storytime, but the dead mama rhino page is way too sad and heavy for a pre-K audience.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an animal lover, this book hurts. I really wish this wasn't the reality of the world we lived in

[Chils27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

it really makes me sad to read this. The way the illustrator presents the animals express their loneliness and sadness.

[DonutKnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this makes it so real. The illustrations of the animals’ sadness as they are kidnapped and taken from their habitats just saddens me 💔

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rhino is captured and put in a zoo. He wonders if he is the last rhino alive.