The Elephants and the Emperor

An Epic Adventure Inspired by a True Story.

In 2020, a herd of elephants set off on an incredible journey from their home in the lush forests of Yunnan, China. Over the next year, they wandered more than 500 kilometers, surprising the world as they roamed through towns, farms, and cities. They were spotted trotting down urban streets, exploring a car dealership, and even visiting a retirement home, where they curiously peeked their trunks into the rooms.

Their astonishing real-life adventure captured hearts around the globe and raised important questions about habitat loss and human encroachment on wildlife. Now, in a beautifully illustrated children’s book, The Elephants and the Emperor, author Rodney Gair reimagines their journey as a magical quest to seek wisdom from the Emperor of China himself.

In this enchanting story, young readers will follow Jiahao, a small Asian Elephant Calf and his family, as they journey across China. Along the way, they pass some of the country’s most famous landmarks before they finally arrive at the Forbidden City, the grand palace of the Emperor.

This heartwarming tale blends adventure and environmental awareness, making it a perfect read for curious young minds.