Kristen Emily Behl

Upendi Kristen Emily Behl

Sadiki enjoys working as a safari guide in the Serengeti. He loves the animals that live there- especially Upendi, the beautiful elephant who reminds him of home. When the visitors suddenly stop coming, Sadiki must go back to his village and find new ways to provide for his wife and children. But soon he realizes that his efforts to feed his family have put Upendi in danger. Will he choose to protect her even when it seems impossible?




This book highlights the crisis facing local villagers and threats to African wildlife through illegal poaching of endangered species, which intensified greatly when tourism ceased during the pandemic of 2020. Educating the next generation and inspiring them to find solutions gives hope to this beautiful world.