Book Review of Savanna’s Treasure
Sponsored* | All opinions are our own
The Children’s Book Review
Savanna’s Treasure
Written by C. Behrens
Illustrated by Kim Johnson
Ages: 6-12 | 132 Pages
Publisher: Crossroads Publishing | ISBN-13: 9780692295199
What to Expect: Friendship, courage, determination, loss, poaching, and Africa.
The award-winning Savanna’s Treasure stands out as a unique piece of children’s literature, offering a richly detailed story that not only entertains but also imparts knowledge about the African plains and the importance of community.
Shamba, an African field mouse, loves his life with his best friend Panya and, Sarah, the human conservationist who looks after them both. However, poachers are a constant danger on the Serengeti Plain. When they attack Sarah’s camp, Shamba gets separated from Panya. Desperate to find Sarah or at least some safety, Shamba strikes up an unlikely friendship with Kali, a baby elephant. The elephants are no safer from poachers than the mice. When they kill the elephant herd’s elders, Shamba and Kali find themselves alone again, facing hungry pelicans, dehydration, and a frightening struggle for survival. But they are not entirely alone … they have each other!
Shamba, with his daring spirit and unwavering loyalty, is a protagonist that will surely endear himself to readers. Kali, on the other hand, is a character with flaws, displaying selfishness and immaturity. Shamba’s steadfast loyalty to her serves as a reminder that true friends stand by us even when we falter. The story is a treasure trove of educational tidbits about the plains, from the revelation that poachers hunt mice to the insight that pelicans devour eggs and rhinos have poor eyesight. This engaging narrative ensures that readers are not just entertained, but also enlightened. The beautiful black and white illustrations provide a visual gateway to the Serengeti landscape and its inhabitants.
Savanna’s Treasure is a touching and wonderfully informative story with timely morals for readers about diverse friendships and conservation.
Buy the Book
Free Activity Kit
About the Author
C. Behrens began writing Savanna’s Treasure as a class project while attending college on weekends, working full-time, and raising two daughters. Ironically, he had initially tried to avoid English classes when returning to college as an adult. However, inspired by his professors, he grew to love reading and writing.
The professor who read the initial version of Savanna’s Treasure advised Behrens to continue with it after the class ended. His first stop was in Princeton, N.J. for the NJSCBWI’s annual writing conference. He signed up for a first-page read by three professionals within the publishing industry, an experience he likens to an “American Idol for writers.” Among about 14 participants, Behrens was the second to last to have his page read. While most before him received negative feedback, his work was met with enthusiasm. The professionals praised his setting, character introduction, and the unique animal story he had crafted.
Behrens’ second children’s book about Alexander Hamilton is being published by Pen It Publications with a release date TBD. In 2023, he received an award from Writer’s Digest for a basketball poem. A few of his short stories were praised by Lorian Hemingway. He also coached high school basketball for several years.
In addition to graduating Magna Cum Laude from Dominican College (University) in 2010, Behrens earned a Public Works Management Certificate from Rutgers in 2017. For the past 31 years, he has enjoyed working for the Borough of Woodcliff Lake, N.J. He considers watching his daughters play high school softball the best time of his life. In his spare time, Behrens loves to draw and paint. He invites readers to follow him on social media.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Savanna’s Treasure. Learn more about getting a book review …
