Anna Shepeta is an illustrator, painter and ceramist originally from Crimea and based in Moscow, Russia. Her artwork is inspired by fairy tales, Scandinavian patterns, Baltic storytelling and Russian folklore. Leisa Stewart-Sharpe is an author of children's non-fiction and picture books. Born in Bundaberg, Australia, Leisa grew up fascinated by wild places and even wilder animals. As an adult, Leisa brings that fascination to a wide array of children's books, taking in everything from chocolate to buried treasure and sharks to environmental activism. Her works include the companion books to the BBC's Blue Planet II, The Green Planet and Frozen Planet II, as well as Happy Stories for Animal Lovers (Ivy Kids, 2023) and The Comeback Creatures (Wide Eyed Editions, 2024). Leisa lives in England with her family.
<p>No matter whether it’s day or night, it’s always a good time for a story. And</p><p>the very best stories you’ll ever hear – are true. They’re unfolding right now,</p><p>in nature all around.'</p><p>Kids will be amazed by these incredible stories of people coming together to</p><p>understand and protect a variety of animals who share our precious planet.</p><p>From outstanding conservation efforts to wholesome community projects, this newest</p><p>addition to the joyful Happy Stories series is a cheerful compendium of true animal</p><p>stories from around the world.</p><p>This anthology is a warming reminder of the good things happening in the world</p><p>of animal conservation. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by bad environmental news.</p><p>But Happy Stories for Animal Lovers provides some light, showing that with the right</p><p>approaches, we can help animals thrive.</p><p>The stories are told in a narrative style, and each one focuses on the positive initiatives</p><p>in action and the happy results – leaving readers uplifted and glad of this magnificent</p><p>planet and the amazing animal friends we share it with.</p><p>Stories include:</p><p>1. The Wildebeest Wander – the story of the yearly wildebeest migration and the</p><p>efforts of the Maasai community to create a wildlife corridor.</p><p>2. The Jungle Jewel – the story of the rare Javan rhino and the rangers who</p><p>watch over and protect it.</p><p>3. Flying Back From Extinction – the tale of the reintroduction of the Northern</p><p>Bald Ibis to Europe and the human ‘foster mothers’ who help raise these rare</p><p>chicks.</p><p>4. Disco in the Deep – how scientists discovered the White Shark Café – an</p><p>underwater oasis of life.</p><p>5. Beary Hungry – the story of the American Grizzly Bears who munch on moths</p><p>and the conservation groups who help bears and humans share the land.</p><p>6. Built by Beaver – the reintroduction of the Eurasion beaver to UK rivers.</p><p>7. Friends in Frozen Places – the tale of Nordet, the speckled narwhal adopted by</p><p>a pod of beluga whales, and the scientists watching out for a naluga baby.</p><p>8. Eat, Eat, Repeat – the tale of the Giant Panda’s unusual courting habits, and</p><p>the inspiring breeding programme that has seen this spectacular species taken</p><p>off the endangered species list.</p><p>The What You Can Do section at the back of the book lets children know how the</p><p>choices they make can help change the world, with information on building a bug hotel,</p><p>becoming a wildlife watcher, working together and using their voices to raise</p><p>Ivy Kids brings you beautiful, sustainably printed books to rewild your child, nurture</p><p>creativity, and foster a deep connection with the living world. Winner of the</p><p>Sustainability Award at the Independent Publishers Awards 2022, Ivy Kids</p><p>books are planet-friendly, printed on post-consumer recycled paper, and, where</p><p>possible, locally to where they will be sold.</p>
