Caretakers

The Lion Cub’s Secret by Lauren St John is a fabulous contemporary children’s novel that is perfect for ages eight years and over. It is the second book in The White Giraffe series and can be read as a stand-alone. However, I recommend reading book one first as this book continues on where the previous book ended.

Once more we join eleven-year-old Martine, her friend Ben and her grandmother on Sawubona game reserve in South Africa. All are caretakers and guardians of the animals. “If we don’t fight for them, who will?” As the book progresses, we see how important it is, to look after our animals and planet for their future and for our future generations.

The focus of the novel are lions. We ‘meet’ the literary lion, Aslan, and also stolen and ill-treated cubs and lions. Their heritage and breeding shines through as characteristics from ancestors have passed down the lines.

Life gives us scars. Scars show where we have been. There reveal our battles and show that we have survived. “Even with all his scars he was… perfect.” Our scars reveal our character.

Martine is connected with the ancients. “When Martine heard the lion’s command, she spun round… she felt as if he’d spoken to her heart.” Her heart ‘hears’ even if her eyes do not see. When Martine speaks, she can be trusted even though she is young.

Education is important. Ironically it is the children who recognize the importance of preserving the planet and animals for future generations.