Mother Nature has given us so many animals, insects and beasts of the fields to gaze at and wonder about. Deborah Stevenson has created an insightful and educational children's book about the life of a rhino in The Last Rhino. Ayubu learns a lot about himself, life and the world when his mother, Nthanda, is captured by poachers. The capture of his mother is the event that changed Ayubu’s life forever. As he grew up, he met two new friends: Imari, the egret and Raziya, along the journey. When Ayubu and Raziya were playing and freely roaming around the fields, Raziya got caught in a poachers' pit. Suddenly Ayubu recalled how he had lost his mother the same way. Will he lose someone that he cares about again? Children will learn a lot not only about the wonderful adventures of Ayubu, the rhino, but also about Africa from the beautiful illustrations to the meanings of the names of the animals.

I truly loved The Last Rhino because there is so much to learn here. As Deborah states, we need to be at the forefront of ensuring that animals like the rhino and elephant do not become extinct like the dinosaurs and many other animals. Children will learn not only the meaning of the names but how to phonetically pronounce them. Also they will become educated about poachers, rhinos, rhino fun facts and how to get involved in helping to preserve the rhino population. A portion of the proceeds will help to conserve the rhino population.

The Last Rhino is a children’s educational picture book written by Deborah Stevenson and illustrated by Morgan Spicer. Ayubu and his mother, Nthanda, were the last rhinos left on the African plains they called home. Together with Imari, the cattle egret, who loved to ride on Nthanda’s back and keep her free of ticks and insects, they visited the local watering hole in a move to escape the scorching summer heat. Imari also served as a lookout to make sure that Nthanda and Ayubu stayed safe. The savannah held many dangers even for the mighty Nthanda. Not only were there lions and other predators, Nthanda explained to her son, but also human hunters who sought to kill rhinos for their horns. These poachers broke the law when they did so, and they had already killed so many rhinos, including Ayubu’s own father and little sister. As they were enjoying the late afternoon sun, there was a sound of an engine, and a Jeep filled with poachers pulled into view. Could Ayubu and Nthanda get away in time or would the last two rhinos be gone forever?

In her educational story book for children, The Last Rhino, Deborah Stevenson introduces the animals that live on the African savannah and discusses the plight of the rhino, whose horns are sought after by poachers, and who are being hunted into extinction. Morgan Spicer’s illustrations make each panel in the story come to life as Ayubu slowly grows up to be the Last Rhino. Stevenson includes a glossary of African names and what they mean; an informative section on rhinos and their endangered status; a page describing what kids can do to help rhinos; and a list of Rhino Fun Facts. The Last Rhino is most highly recommended.

The Last Rhino by Deborah Stevenson is an adorable story that tackles the topic of poaching and raises a serious awareness about the problem. Ayubu, the baby rhino, was feeling hot and he headed to the watering hole with his mother, Nthanda. Imari, the white cattle egret, was with them, perched on Nthanda’s back. He had been with Nthanda since before Ayubu was born. Imari not only kept the mother rhino free of ticks and insects, but also alerted the rhinos to dangers on the savanna. Imari and Nthanda tell Ayubu that the greatest danger rhinos faced was from poachers and they explain to him about what poachers do. While Nthanda and Imari dozed off in the afternoon, Ayubu wandered off all by himself. After he reached home, he asked his mother about his father and sister Mbali who were killed by poachers.

Set against the backdrop of Africa, the story shows readers how Ayubu loses his mother, Nthanda, when she falls into a trap laid by poachers. Ayubu’s life takes a different turn after that and he makes good elephant friends, like Raziya and her mother. It is heartwarming to see Ayubu saving Raziya from the poacher’s pit. This story of friendship, courage, faith, and determination will make young readers aware of rhinos and how to make sure that they survive and also other endangered species. The black and white illustrations breathe life into the characters and scenes, making them vivid for readers. It is a good bedtime storybook and is ideal for classroom read aloud sessions because of the message it conveys. The rhino fun facts at the end of the story are informative and educational.