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Animal Healer #3
The Last Leopard
Martine is looking forward to the holidays and riding Jemmy, her white giraffe, until an accident sends her and Ben on a journey to the Matobo Hills wilderness in Zimbabwe. It is a lawless land, where nothing is as it seems. When they uncover a plot in which the fate of a magnificent leopard and the lost treasure of an African King are mysteriously linked, their friendship faces its greatest test. Far from home and the help of Grace and Tendai, and with Gwyn Thomas languishing, under false accusations, in jail, Martine and Ben must use every survival skill they possess. They'll come face to face with Griffin, Mercy, Mr Ratcliffe (known as Rat), Magnus the hornbill, and a witch doctor, not to mention Khan, the last leopard. They must decide who their friends are, and who are enemies, as they race against time to save the world's rarest leopard and each other. This third African adventure is written with all the zest and skill that have endeared so many readers to THE WHITE GIRAFFE and DOLPHIN SONG.
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2008
54 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 20, 2018
I am 46 years old and love these books. Lauren St. John writes in magic ink. I want to read every book she has ever written, minus the golf books. I just can´t get excited about those little balls. White giraffes, dolphins, leopards etc are a different story. I think everyone should read these books. Her stories are pure magic.
October 2, 2024
Ik heb alle covers van deze boeken nagetekend en dit moet ik dit weekend opzoeken...
August 8, 2023
Wish I read this when I was given it at 10
But for a children's book it is a very well written fun adventure, the descriptions of Zimbabwe were amazing and obviously well researched, made me very nostalgic
But for a children's book it is a very well written fun adventure, the descriptions of Zimbabwe were amazing and obviously well researched, made me very nostalgic
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November 19, 2025Zimbabwe
November 15, 2011
This was the best of the first three in this children's series and a very engaging read for the most part. St. John includes more history, geography and African tribal culture than previously and this makes for a compelling read. In addition it is somewhat less preachy regarding respect for the environment and the conservation of wildlife species. Too bad about the bizarre epilogue which tries to close all loops very quickly through the personified voice of the rescued male leopard. A laughably absurd self-indulgence that weakens everything that precedes it. Even my daughter winced!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2026
The Last Leopard by Lauren St John is a powerful contemporary children’s novel that I loved. It is perfect for those aged ten years and over. It is the fourth book in The White Giraffe series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order for the continuity of story and for character development.
Once more we ‘travel’ to Africa to join eleven-year-old Martine and her friend Ben, and her grandmother on the Sawubona animal sanctuary. The three travel to Zimbabwe, a journey of over two thousand kilometres, to help a friend in distress.
Martine hates to leave her white giraffe, Jemmy but is excited to learn about the last leopard, Khan.
Once more, it is Martine and Ben’s love of animals that makes them put personal safety aside, in order to stop the animal poachers. The pair are brave and wise beyond their years. Both have unique gifts. Ben’s is tracking. Martine has the gift of healing. Before they leave Sawubona, Grace, an African healer says: “We don’t always get to choose the paths of our lives, chile… Trust in your gift. Trust your gift will keep you safe.” Martine will be called on to use her gift. She can trust the recipient, and he can trust her. Whether human or animal, the eyes are the windows to the soul.
Our planet needs to be preserved. We need to look after the animals and their habitats because once they are gone, they are gone forever. “Ben always came alive in nature.” Both Ben and Martine care deeply for the environment. They were both “kids from the suburbs, delivered by fate to Sawubona, where they’d fallen totally in love with nature.” They both recognised the great value of the natural and its’ need for preservation.
We meet the illegal poachers who must be stopped. “Animals belong in the wild, not behind bars like prisoners.”
The African scenery comes alive for the reader. We can ‘feel’ the heat, and ‘see’ the dust and grasslands.
Martine and Ben are plucky children who want to preserve the wild. They learn about natural healings, as well as Martine’s supernatural powers.
I absolutely love The White Giraffe series. Each book has a powerful storyline. The Last Leopard was a heartfelt tale about a magnificent beast.
Once more we ‘travel’ to Africa to join eleven-year-old Martine and her friend Ben, and her grandmother on the Sawubona animal sanctuary. The three travel to Zimbabwe, a journey of over two thousand kilometres, to help a friend in distress.
Martine hates to leave her white giraffe, Jemmy but is excited to learn about the last leopard, Khan.
Once more, it is Martine and Ben’s love of animals that makes them put personal safety aside, in order to stop the animal poachers. The pair are brave and wise beyond their years. Both have unique gifts. Ben’s is tracking. Martine has the gift of healing. Before they leave Sawubona, Grace, an African healer says: “We don’t always get to choose the paths of our lives, chile… Trust in your gift. Trust your gift will keep you safe.” Martine will be called on to use her gift. She can trust the recipient, and he can trust her. Whether human or animal, the eyes are the windows to the soul.
Our planet needs to be preserved. We need to look after the animals and their habitats because once they are gone, they are gone forever. “Ben always came alive in nature.” Both Ben and Martine care deeply for the environment. They were both “kids from the suburbs, delivered by fate to Sawubona, where they’d fallen totally in love with nature.” They both recognised the great value of the natural and its’ need for preservation.
We meet the illegal poachers who must be stopped. “Animals belong in the wild, not behind bars like prisoners.”
The African scenery comes alive for the reader. We can ‘feel’ the heat, and ‘see’ the dust and grasslands.
Martine and Ben are plucky children who want to preserve the wild. They learn about natural healings, as well as Martine’s supernatural powers.
I absolutely love The White Giraffe series. Each book has a powerful storyline. The Last Leopard was a heartfelt tale about a magnificent beast.
February 8, 2018
The latest book I have read was The Last Leopard by Lauren st. John. The book is about two teenagers and there grandma going to help a friend in Zimbabwe. When they arrive they realize the real reason that their friend needed help. The story follows the two teenagers as they search for Khan, the last leopard.
I really liked this book. I really liked this book because it is packed with adventures and action. For example, the main character comes face to face with the biggest leopard on record. Another reason is that the story is very fun to read. Lauren St. John all ways keep you from leaving the book. She includes many cliffhangers and very exciting parts.
I would recommend this book to anyone. This is because it is very fun and action-packed. I think all kids and adults would enjoy the book. I love Lauren st. john's books and will be reading her next one very soon.
I really liked this book. I really liked this book because it is packed with adventures and action. For example, the main character comes face to face with the biggest leopard on record. Another reason is that the story is very fun to read. Lauren St. John all ways keep you from leaving the book. She includes many cliffhangers and very exciting parts.
I would recommend this book to anyone. This is because it is very fun and action-packed. I think all kids and adults would enjoy the book. I love Lauren st. john's books and will be reading her next one very soon.
December 27, 2018
The author's dedication to saving endangered wildlife is manifested in this children's book featuring eleven-year-old Martine and her friend, Ben. In this novel her aunt takes them to Zimbabwe to assist a friend who has broken a leg and needs help. As the story unfolds a giant leopard named Kwan becomes the crux of the tale. The elusive animal lives on the woman's land but many want to kill the huge animal named Kwan.
It is the girl's special powers and determination that she hopes will save the leopard but the path to that point is convoluted and chaotic. The children rush in where determined men who want animal pelts and trophies dominate. What they encounter is danger, bribery, kidnapping and corrupt police involvement. The story's theme focuses on what few can do to save endangered wildlife. I thing the book might be nspiring for the young who choose this read.
It is the girl's special powers and determination that she hopes will save the leopard but the path to that point is convoluted and chaotic. The children rush in where determined men who want animal pelts and trophies dominate. What they encounter is danger, bribery, kidnapping and corrupt police involvement. The story's theme focuses on what few can do to save endangered wildlife. I thing the book might be nspiring for the young who choose this read.
February 20, 2022
The third book in St. John's series, the Animal Healer, is again filled with Martine, and now, her friend Ben working unrealistic miracles to help animals, the people she loves, and to set matters straight with the bad people in the stories. The stories are entertaining for young ones. They are filled with scary adventures and happy endings!
May 4, 2020
A favourite
I loved this book so so so much! It was so intriguing that I couldn't put it down! I definitely think this book is 5 stars as it is amazing! I would probably recommend this book for ages 12-14 but I think it could go a small bit out of that range. Overall, fantastic!
I loved this book so so so much! It was so intriguing that I couldn't put it down! I definitely think this book is 5 stars as it is amazing! I would probably recommend this book for ages 12-14 but I think it could go a small bit out of that range. Overall, fantastic!
May 27, 2020
Incredible book
I personally love this series and I to get sucked into the book. It makes me feel like I am one of the characters and the author makes the details impeccable.I could not recommend this book enough.
I personally love this series and I to get sucked into the book. It makes me feel like I am one of the characters and the author makes the details impeccable.I could not recommend this book enough.
June 23, 2020
Nepakartojama! Tiesiog gražu matyti, kaip Martina su Benu suartėjo per šias tris knygas... Nuostabi draugystė su baltąja žirafa, delfinais ir paskutiniu leopardu :>>>
May 25, 2022
I love all the secerets hidden everywhere in the book. Martine saving Khan the leopard is the stopping point of a rush of adrenaline that starts as soon as you know that Khan is hurt. Wonderful and truly amazing book!
November 1, 2017
canned hunting, Zimbabwe, girl power, friendship, healers
March 3, 2018
Lovely story
May 30, 2020
My favourite book in the Animal Healer series
August 18, 2020
A great third book in the series with no loss of pace, can't wait to read the fourth one!
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March 4, 2021ahhh i love kids books
June 10, 2021
An interesting story about a leopard who is being illegally hunted, and the two children that save him.
June 23, 2021
Actual rating- 4.5 stars.
August 1, 2021
I collect and adore Lauren St. John's works. You can say she's my first favorite author. If you like wildlife and animals, this book is perfect for you. This got me emotional in the middle. 5 ⭐
August 29, 2022
Pretty interesting book, excellent descriptions of the animals
September 21, 2023
I love this series!
December 29, 2023
A very thrilling mystery with a lovely friendship of a girl and a leopard
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2024
i only have motivation to read these books rn
May 27, 2024
Another sad story about a girl who
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2024
Die Reihe ist one of my favorites!! Mag es sehr
September 15, 2020
Such a cute series. This one has been my least favourite so far, but it's still a good read.
March 12, 2017
رائع وبعض الحيوانات والاشياء فيه حلصت للكاتبة في الحقيقة!
November 22, 2023
The Last Leopard is the third book in Animal Healer series by Lauren St. John. I haven't read the first two books yet so I was afraid it might be a bit difficult to follow but I was surprised by how easy the author made it to understand the dynamics between certain characters.
I absolutely loved the two best friend MCs Martine and Ben and the way they went of this adventure together in Zimbabwe for their summer vacation. The story was quite engaging AND imparted some much needed knowledge about endangered animals and illegal hunting/poaching. It is a good book to make children aware of the state of a few species around us and how it is imperative to stop people intending them harm.
It was a bit on the fantastical side with two kids being able to achieve what they ultimately did without any kind of adult supervision but I'll grant it a pass considering it is fiction meant for enjoyment.
I absolutely loved the two best friend MCs Martine and Ben and the way they went of this adventure together in Zimbabwe for their summer vacation. The story was quite engaging AND imparted some much needed knowledge about endangered animals and illegal hunting/poaching. It is a good book to make children aware of the state of a few species around us and how it is imperative to stop people intending them harm.
It was a bit on the fantastical side with two kids being able to achieve what they ultimately did without any kind of adult supervision but I'll grant it a pass considering it is fiction meant for enjoyment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews