Saving H'non – Chang and the Elephant: A Graphic Novel Based on a True Adventure

by Nguyễn Thị Thu Trang, Jeet Zdung (Illustrator)

The breathtaking follow-up to Saving Sorya – Chang and the Sun Bear , winner of the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2023

When Chang meets an elderly elephant named H’non, she makes a promise to rescue her from a lifetime of captivity. Together, they embark on a quest to find a new home where H’non can live as nature intended – wild and free.

Created by wildlife activist Trang Nguyen – who was featured as one of the environmental heroes in episode eight of the BBC’s Planet Earth III – and award-winning manga artist Jeet Zdung, Saving H' Chang and the Elephant is an inspirational graphic-novel adventure, based on a true story, about a young conservationist who overcomes the odds to give H'non the elephant the life she deserves after 50 years of hardship.

Chang’s daring story is for any young reader, animal lover and intrepid explorer who’s ready for adventure!

PRAISE FOR SAVING CHANG AND THE SUN BEAR

Winner of the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration

'A beautiful, moving and uplifting tale of perseverance and overcoming challenge, and how small steps can make a big difference.' - BookTrust

'I cannot praise this book enough.' – Mat Tobin

'The epitome of wild and free.' - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

'Stirring and gorgeously rendered, this eco-conscious tale is a superb purchase for all libraries.' - School Library Journal, starred review

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2023

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young Vietnamese wildlife conservationist, Chang, helps save an abused Asian elephant named H’non from a lifetime of cruel servitude. Exquisite, detailed, and expressive watercolor, pencil, and ink illustrations enchant, conveying accurate information about native species and revealing a gorgeous inter-connected South Asian ecosystem. Pages of lush field notebook illustrations are interspersed among dynamic comic panels that tell the dramatic, moving, and occasionally humorous story of H’non’s reintroduction to the wild. Adding interest is the growing friendship between Chang and another young Vietnamese wildlife activist. Based on a true story.

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful story about the rescue of H'Non the elephant and the lengths the rescue center goes to bring her back to life. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous. I look forward to reading the first book in the series.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

H’non the elephant spent 50 years in captivity before a young activist found her and determined to free her from the terrible conditions she was in. This is their story.

It is graphic novel with absolutely breathtaking illustrations, making almost a picturebook in places. It follows the story and journey of both rescuer and rescued, showing how they both overcame great odds, had to live through harrowing experiences and heart-breaking conditions and highlighting the work to be done with a strong sense of positivity for the future.