She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch

Centered on the role of the “Elephant Matriarch,” She Leads explores many of the facets of leadership involved in heading a group of elephants—the way they nurture, protect, teach and provide. In larger blue text throughout Smalls captures the essence of elephant leadership in a way that leaves the reader feeling inspired and uplifted (particularly if they are a young girl!). Significantly smaller text on each page provides more in-depth facts related to the blue text and illustration—the differentiation makes it easy to expand or shorten the reading of the story to either include or exclude the extra information without loss of meaning. By following the elephant matriarch through to her death, and the subsequent naming of a new queen, Smalls reminds young girls that their inheritance is to lead next. Shimokawara’s illustrations are life-like and emphasize the elephants’ wild beauty with their thick, wrinkly skin and playful nature. The tableau featuring the matriarch’s death is particularly poignant, with tears streaming from the eyes of what looks to be her successor.