The World's Loneliest Elephant: Based on the True Story of Kaavan and His Rescue - Hardcover

by Ralph Fletcher (Author), Naoko Stoop (Illustrator)

A heartwarming true story about Kaavan the elephant, his unlikely bond with singer and activist Cher, his rescue by veterinarian and animal rights crusader Dr. Amir Khalil, and relocation to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kaavan grew up in captivity in a Pakistani zoo. For years, he lived in poor conditions with only one friend, an elephant named Saheli. After Saheli died, Kaavan was overcome by grief and his health worsened. When animal rights activists around the world were alerted to Kaavan's deteriorating condition, Dr. Amir Khalil visited the elephant to see what could be done.

​Thanks to the virality of Kaavan's story--and with the publicity and fundraising efforts of pop culture icon Cher--Dr. Khalil was able to orchestrate moving Kaavan to the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary, where he now lives with other elephants. Because of the care and help of so many, Kaavan is no longer the world's loneliest elephant. And that is the best news of all.

Author Biography

Ralph Fletcher is the author of a wide range of books for young readers, from picture books (The Sandman) to novels (Fig Pudding), from memoirs (Marshfield Dreams) to writing advice (Guy-Write). He also teaches workshops on poetry and writing. Mr. Fletcher lives with his family in Lee, New Hampshire. www.ralphfletcher.com

Naoko Stoop's love of drawing began when she was a young girl growing up in Japan. She now lives and paints in Brooklyn, New York, using found materials like plywood and brown paper bags as her canvases. The author-illustrator of Red Knit Cap Girl and Sing With Me! Action Songs Every Child Should Know​, Naoko hopes her art will inspire the child within everyone. Follow Naoko on Instagram @naokostoop and Twitter @naokosstoop. www.redknitcapgirl.com